The Supreme Court of India on Monday issued notices to the Centre and the Jharkhand government regarding a plea seeking an independent and time-bound investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into alleged malpractices surrounding the Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination.
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, called for responses from the Union of India, the Jharkhand government, the Jharkhand Public Service Commission, and other relevant parties.
Senior advocate Manan Kumar Mishra, representing the petitioner, stated that the plea requests either a CBI inquiry or an investigation by a former judge of the Supreme Court.
This simultaneous inquiry into the Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Examination is critical as activists question transparency within the commission. The top court was hearing a petition filed by activist Harisharan Devgan, represented by advocate Satyam Singh Rajput, who sought urgent intervention from the Supreme Court.
The petitioner emphasized that the writ petition, filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India, serves the public interest. It raises serious concerns about the integrity and fairness of the Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Preliminary Competitive Examination 2025. Conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) as per Advertisement No. 01/2026 on April 19, 2026, discrepancies have reportedly tainted this crucial examination.
The JPSC, a pivotal body responsible for recruiting officers for the state, is under scrutiny as allegations surrounding the examination process come to light. Petitioner Harisharan Devgan expressed the necessity for an inquiry, stating, “The integrity of the examination process is crucial for maintaining public trust in our institutions.”
Amidst growing concerns, the Supreme Court’s decision to seek responses indicates it may be willing to address public anxiety over the administrative processes in Jharkhand.
JPSC has previously faced criticism for its handling of examinations. If the CBI investigates, it could unveil systemic issues, fundamentally shaking up the commission’s operation. A thorough inquiry remains vital, as past irregularities and allegations of partiality have surfaced, undermining the institution’s credibility.
As the Supreme Court moves forward, the focus remains on ensuring fairness in the recruitment of civil servants in the state. This ongoing case serves as a reminder that the integrity of public examinations is essential for sustaining democratic values within Indian governance.
