The case concerns the alleged leakage of questions for Maharashtra Public Service Commission examination for 154 posts of Drug Inspector, advertised on July 29, 2025 and conducted on March 22, 2026
Mumbai: A special court has rejected the bail plea of Gaurav Rajendra Patil (26) in the 2026 Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) drug inspector paper leak case, observing that he could not be treated as a whistleblower at this stage as he allegedly retained leaked questions for four months and discussed their possible sale. It said Patil waited four months to complain and could be treated as a whistle-blower only if he had immediately reported receipt without discussing circulation or sale.
Special judge Shayana Patil said the investigation was still in progress and Gaurav’s alleged role required further scrutiny. The court held that the material collected so far showed the case was “not a matter of mere exchange of any expected question bank on WhatsApp”, but part of a wider transaction to favour candidates for pecuniary benefit. “It has adversely affected the youth honestly contesting the public competitive examinations with dreams of securing good employment,” the judge said. “It is the offence of misuse and manipulation of the competitive exam-system at the hands of responsible persons/public servants inside the system with the help of private persons outside the system like the present accused,” the judge said. The court noted that Patil later withdrew the complaint, saying no paper had been leaked and that his earlier allegation was made “for sake of mischief or fun”. The judge said the contradictory stand was prima facie indicative of lack of veracity and sincerity. The court said the exchanges indicated possible misuse.
The court also held that the alleged offence struck at the confidentiality and sanctity of competitive examinations. The judge further stated that the offence adversely affected the public interest and eroded society’s faith in institutions like MPSC.