“Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor remains defiant after his arrest during a protest over alleged BPSC exam irregularities. Refusing court-mandated bail conditions, Kishor’s steadfast commitment to justice for students has sparked nationwide attention. As he continues his fast-unto-death from jail, questions arise about the legality of protests and the accountability of examination bodies.
BY PC Bureau
Prashant Kishor, the founder of Jan Suraaj, was sent to jail on Monday after refusing to comply with the conditions of a bail agreement granted by the court. Kishor had been arrested earlier in the day during protests over alleged irregularities in the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) examinations.
The court had approved his bail on the condition that he refrain from participating in future protests and submit a personal bond of ₹25,000. However, Kishor declined to sign the bond, as confirmed by his lawyer, Shivanand Giri.
“I produced the bail petition, and after arguments, he was granted bail with the condition that he will not engage in such offenses in the future and must submit a ₹25,000 PR bond. He did not agree to the condition. The court said it lacked the power to review the order, and Kishor could approach higher courts if he disagrees,” Giri told PTI.
Kishor, who had been on a fast-unto-death since January 2 in solidarity with students demanding the cancellation of the BPSC exams, was arrested while protesting at Patna’s Gandhi Maidan. According to police, the demonstration was held near a restricted area, making it “illegal.”
“If raising a voice against the injustice faced by youth is a crime, then going to jail is acceptable. My protest will continue even in jail,” Kishor said after his arrest.
The Patna police transferred Kishor to an ambulance during his detention and later conducted a medical check-up at a facility near Fatuha. While supporters alleged that security personnel manhandled and slapped Kishor during the arrest, Patna District Magistrate (DM) Chandrashekhar Singh denied these claims, stating, “Kishor was not manhandled; police only removed supporters who attempted to obstruct the arrest.”
Protests and Allegations
Kishor’s arrest occurred on the fifth day of his protest, which focused on a five-point demand, including the cancellation of the December 13 BPSC prelims due to a suspected question paper leak.
Police detained 43 of Kishor’s supporters during the operation and seized 15 vehicles, including three tractors. DM Singh claimed that investigations revealed none of the detained individuals were BPSC aspirants, with most being non-students and only a few hailing from Patna or Bihar.
The DM clarified that Kishor and his supporters were asked to relocate their protest to Gardani Bagh, a designated protest site, but they refused to comply. “Despite repeated requests and a notice from the district administration, they did not leave Gandhi Maidan,” Singh said.
Regarding the BPSC examination grievances, Singh added, “The matter is now with the Supreme Court. Those with concerns can present their case before the apex court.”
Legal and Medical Developments
A petition seeking the cancellation of the BPSC prelims and action against officials accused of using force against aspirants during protests has already been filed in the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, the district administration has stated that Kishor’s health condition is “absolutely fine” following a medical examination.
Kishor’s refusal to sign the bail bond underscores his commitment to continuing the protest, even as legal proceedings against him unfold.
