Pune police have denied permission for an MPSC students’ sit-in near the S.M. Joshi Bridge and Journalists’ Bhavan, directing protesters to vacate the area immediately while offering to consider permission at designated alternative locations. Notices have been issued to 51 students and 29 private coaching and study-centre operators for allegedly continuing or facilitating an unauthorised protest.
According to a report by Sakal – Pune, police cited traffic congestion and security concerns while rejecting the application to hold the agitation at the current location. The students had gathered to press various demands relating to the Maharashtra Public Service Commission’s examination system and administration.
The police action also referred to directions issued during a hearing in the Bombay High Court, according to the report. Those directions stated that protests on public roads, bridges and traffic corridors should not obstruct vehicular movement. Police said the protest was continuing without prior permission even though preventive orders were in force within the Pune City Police Commissionerate limits.
The notices reportedly cover students as well as operators of private coaching classes and study centres who were alleged to have provided direct or indirect assistance to the demonstration. The police also cited statements made during the protest, including a reported warning that Pune would be shut down. The application seeking permission was rejected on Wednesday.
The dispute highlights the administrative challenge of managing demonstrations in high-footfall parts of Pune, where public roads and bridge approaches serve both as transport links and gathering spaces. The S.M. Joshi Bridge area connects important central-city destinations, and any prolonged assembly there can affect traffic movement, pedestrian access and nearby public activity. The police position is that the protest’s location creates an obstruction and raises security concerns; the students’ reported demands concern the conduct and administration of competitive public examinations.
Police have issued written and verbal instructions for the protesters to clear the area immediately. At the same time, the administration has indicated that it is not closing off the possibility of a lawful demonstration. The police said they would consider an application to hold the agitation near the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar statue or behind the district collector’s office, both of which were identified as designated locations for protests.
The next step is for the organisers to seek permission for one of the proposed alternative venues. Until such permission is granted, police have directed the protesters to vacate the S.M. Joshi Bridge and Journalists’ Bhavan area.
