Candidates who cleared the Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s MPSC Group B examination have backed the state government’s inquiry into alleged irregularities, while demanding that only those found guilty be excluded and that other successful candidates receive their appointments.
The demand was raised at a press conference by candidates selected for sub-registrar posts. They said their opposition was not to the special investigation team (SIT) inquiry ordered by the government, but to the possibility that all successful candidates could face consequences because of allegations against some individuals.
The recruitment process covered 758 Group B posts, including 84 sub-registrar positions. According to the candidates, the preliminary examination was held on 4 January 2026 and the main examination on 17 May. The results were announced on 14 August, after which the recommendations of successful candidates were sent to the relevant department.
Document verification for the selected candidates was scheduled for 22 and 23 September. However, the process was stopped following a government order issued on 21 September. The candidates said the halt had created uncertainty for those who had cleared the examination through what they described as honest preparation.
“We are not opposing the inquiry. Take action against those who committed irregularities, but do not allow honest candidates to suffer,” the candidates said, according to Lokmat – Pune. They also said they were prepared to face any form of investigation themselves and asked the authorities not to treat every successful candidate as guilty solely because of the allegations.
The issue affects more than the immediate appointment of candidates. Sub-registrars are responsible for functions linked to the registration of property transactions and related documents, making the recruitment process part of the state’s wider land and property administration system. A prolonged vacancy or delay in filling these posts can affect the capacity of registration offices, although the report does not provide details on current vacancies or operational disruptions.
Candidates including Abhishek Chavan, Amit Pawar, Nilesh Sawant, Vijaya Dudhni and Amol Chivate attended the press conference. They said allegations surrounding the examination had caused mental stress to candidates who had cleared the process.
The candidates’ position places two administrative requirements before the authorities: completing an impartial inquiry into the alleged irregularities and separating any proven wrongdoing from candidates against whom no adverse finding is established. The immediate recruitment process remains halted after the 21 September government order, while the SIT inquiry is expected to determine the next steps.
