New Delhi, January 23, 2025— Advocate Abhijit Anand, representing the Anand Legal Aid Forum Trust, announced today that the Supreme Court has mandated the preservation of CCTV footage from 51 examination centers linked to the alleged Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) paper leak, warning of legal action against officials if evidence is destroyed.
The legal battle began when the Trust filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the Supreme Court seeking accountability in the BPSC exam irregularities. On January 7, 2025, the apex court directed the NGO to approach the Patna High Court. Complying with the order, the Trust filed the PIL in the High Court, which issued unspecified directions on January 21.
Unsatisfied with the pace of proceedings, Advocate Anand returned to the Supreme Court on January 22, urgently seeking preservation of CCTV footage from 29 examination centers and the Bapu Examination Center, which alone comprises 22 sub-centers. The footage is considered critical evidence to investigate potential malpractice.
In a significant order, the Supreme Court directed the BPSC and Bihar government officials to secure all relevant footage, cautioning that its destruction would result in legal consequences. “The Court recognized the gravity of the situation. If footage is tampered with, officials will face strict action,” Advocate Anand stated.
Highlighting the necessity of transparency, Anand emphasized, “Preserving this footage is vital to ensure a fair probe and restore trust in the examination process. We urge authorities to comply swiftly to uphold accountability.”
The BPSC paper leak, which disrupted exams for thousands of aspirants, has sparked public outrage and demands for systemic reforms. Legal experts suggest the Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the urgency of safeguarding evidence in high-stakes cases.
The Patna High Court is expected to resume hearings on the PIL shortly, while the Supreme Court continues monitoring the case. The developments mark a pivotal step in addressing alleged corruption within Bihar’s administrative recruitment processes.
— Report by Legal Correspondent
