MPSC paper leak case: Maharashtra forms five-member probe panel led by ex-Allahabad HC chief justice

The inquiry commission has been tasked with establishing the facts surrounding the alleged leaks and identifying those responsible.

The Maharashtra government has set up a five-member commission headed by retired Allahabad High Court chief justice Dilip Bhosale to investigate allegations of question paper leaks and other malpractices in nine examinations conducted by the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC).

Protestors celebrate after the Maharashtra government formed a committee to overhaul the MPSC. (PTI)

The state government has also given MPSC member Satish Waghole an additional charge as chairman while incumbent Vivek Bhimanwar is on leave pending the inquiry.

The general administration department issued separate notifications on October 16 announcing the inquiry commission and Waghole’s appointment as acting chairman.

The inquiry commission has been tasked with establishing the facts surrounding the alleged leaks, identifying those responsible and examining possible misconduct by serving and former MPSC members, including the chairman. It has been directed to submit its report within two months.

Apart from justice Bhosale, the commission comprises retired Bombay High Court judge PD Naik, Food and Drugs Administration commissioner Tukaram Mundhe, Inspector General of Police Lakhami Gautam and retired IAS officer Ganesh Patil.

The commission will investigate allegations of leaks involving question papers, answer keys or portions of either. It will also examine whether misconduct or misbehaviour by serving or former MPSC members, including the chairman, has been established, and fix responsibility for any irregularities.

To conduct the inquiry, the commission has been granted powers similar to those of a civil court, allowing it to summon witnesses, examine them under oath, demand documents and obtain records from courts and government offices.

New acting chairman

Meanwhile, Maharashtra governor Jishnu Dev Varma appointed Waghole as acting chairman.

Waghole, who holds a Master of Laws degree, began his career practising at the Pune District and Sessions Court before joining the state government’s law and judiciary department as an under-secretary after clearing the MPSC examination. He subsequently rose to the post of joint secretary and served as secretary of the law and judiciary and parliamentary affairs departments from 2021 to April 2026. He was appointed an MPSC member in September this year.

Reacting to the developments, NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar called for a thorough investigation and accountability at every level.

“Now, we expect a complete clean-up from the lowest to the highest level, along with a recommendation for further action under Article 317. We will meet the judicial commission next week and submit all the evidence we can gather,” Pawar said.

Akshay Kamble, state vice-president of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), demanded that the government clarify the constitutional basis, selection criteria and administrative reasons behind Waghole’s appointment.