The Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and the Jharkhand state government on Monday, regarding a plea for an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination. This significant move comes from concerns raised about the examination’s integrity.
A bench consisting of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V Mohana has requested a response from the Union government, the Jharkhand government, and the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), among others. This inquiry is viewed as an essential measure to uphold accountability in public service examinations.
Senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra, representing the petitioner, emphasized the necessity of a timely inquiry, either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or through a former judge of the Supreme Court. Mishra underlined the urgency of the matter due to reports of significant malpractices that could impact the careers of numerous candidates.
The petition comes from activist Harisharan Devgan, who, through counsel Satyam Singh Rajput, filed it under Article 32 of the Indian Constitution. The petition states that it addresses serious issues regarding the integrity, fairness, and transparency of the Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Preliminary Competitive Examination 2025, indicating widespread public concern.
In the petition, Devgan claims that the JPSC’s management of the preliminary examination—based on Advertisement No. 01/2026, set for April 19, 2026—demonstrates an urgent need for intervention. The allegations point toward a lack of credibility in the examination process, jeopardizing the merit-based recruitment system.
This legal development arrives during a time when public examinations face heightened scrutiny due to increasing reports of irregularities across various states. The call for a CBI investigation reflects the growing demand for transparency and accountability in recruitment processes.
Stakeholders, including prospective candidates, have expressed hope that a thorough investigation may instill confidence in future examinations and reinforce a system that innumerable students rely on for career advancement.
The Supreme Court’s involvement signifies essential judicial oversight in matters of public concern, particularly relating to government examinations that uphold democratic principles in public service recruitment.