Thousands of students in Jharkhand work for years preparing for competitive examinations with the hope of securing a fair opportunity for employment and building a better future. Allegations of a JPSC paper leak strike at the very foundation of that expectation.

Students in Ranchi have taken to the streets to demand accountability, a fair examination process, and a credible investigation into the alleged irregularities. Their demand is simple: they want a level playing field and justice.

However, serious concerns have emerged regarding the treatment of protesting students. There are reports of police personnel using force against students during the protest, including allegations of students being beaten and the use of tear-gas shells at the protest site. There are also allegations that expired tear-gas shells were used. These allegations require an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation.

The Constitution protects the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) and the right to assemble peacefully under Article 19(1)(b), subject to lawful and reasonable restrictions. Peaceful students raising concerns about an examination that can determine their careers should not be subjected to disproportionate or unlawful force.

The issue also has a direct bearing on Article 21 and the right to livelihood. For students, a competitive examination is not merely a test. It can determine access to employment and shape the course of their lives. When examinations are compromised by alleged paper leaks or irregularities, years of preparation, time, money, and effort can be put at risk.

We demand:

• A transparent, impartial, and time-bound investigation into the alleged JPSC paper leak.
• Greater transparency regarding the ongoing CID investigation. An independent inquiry into allegations of police brutality against protesting students.
• An independent, time-bound CBI inquiry into the alleged JPSC paper leak to ensure transparency, accountability, and justice for students.
• A probe into the alleged use of expired tear-gas shells.
• Appropriate action against any police personnel found responsible for excessive or unlawful use of force.
• Protection of students from intimidation or retaliation for participating in peaceful protests.
• Direct dialogue between the Jharkhand Government and representatives of the protesting students.
• Stronger safeguards to prevent paper leaks and examination malpractice in future JPSC examinations.
• Restoration of students’ confidence in the integrity and fairness of the JPSC recruitment process.

Students are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for fairness, accountability, and justice. A government recruitment examination must be a test of merit, not a test of influence, connections, or an individual’s ability to withstand an unfair system.

Stand with the students of Jharkhand. Demand a fair investigation. Demand accountability. Demand a recruitment system worthy of the students who dedicate years of their lives to it.

Justice for Jharkhand students