CJP's Dipke joins protest over Bombay HC typing test glitches
Abhijeet Dipke joined candidates in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar protesting alleged technical failures during the Bombay High Court clerk typing test. Officials said a few issues were reported at select centres, while candidates demanded a re-test.
Key takeaways
- Abhijeet Dipke joined a protest over alleged online typing test glitches for Bombay High Court clerks.
- Officials acknowledged some technical issues at Aurangabad and Kalyan centres during the exam.
- Around 2,900 candidates in specific regions and about 13,000 eligible Maharashtra-wide participated across three sessions for 1,300 posts.
What Happened
In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, aspirants gathered for a protest on Sunday, August 16, 2026, alleging technical failures and server glitches during the online Bombay High Court clerk typing test. CJP convenor Abhijeet Dipke joined the demonstrators at the centre after learning of the disruption and met the affected candidates. The protest centered on complaints that computers malfunctioned, with reports of screens turning yellow and keyboards failing, causing some candidates to be logged out within about 10 minutes.
The Bombay High Court registrar (personnel) issued a communication stating that the typing examination was conducted smoothly for the clerk post through an agency, but noted a few technical issues at certain centres, specifically Aurangabad and Kalyan. The registrar said the issues, if any, in relation to the process conducted by the agency, are being examined and that candidates would be informed through official channels about any further action.
Overall, roughly 2,900 candidates from Marathwada and Vidarbha appeared at examination centres in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, while about 13,000 candidates across Maharashtra were eligible for the test, which was conducted in three sessions for 1,300 posts across the Nagpur and Aurangabad benches. The disruption occurred during the 10 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. session.
Dipke described the problems faced by students, noting that candidates had travelled from Beed, Ambajogai, Amravati, Latur and other parts of Maharashtra to take the test. He urged authorities to issue a written notification announcing a re-examination and insisted the retest should not use the same computers. He also called for a written assurance from the district court judge present inside the examination centre and indicated continued support for the protesters.
Dipke criticised the execution of online examinations overall, arguing that functioning computers and servers should be in place before such tests are conducted and questioned the rationale for holding online assessments if technical infrastructure cannot be ensured.
Why It Matters
The episode highlights concerns about the reliability of online recruitment testing in a major state-level judiciary, especially where large cohorts rely on digital systems. If verified, the glitches could affect candidate outcomes and prompt demands for procedural safeguards or retests, potentially delaying appointment processes for 1,300 clerk posts across multiple benches.
Background
The incident occurred in the context of an online typing test for the Bombay High Court clerk recruitment, conducted by an agency on behalf of the court. Official communication from the registrar acknowledged that, while the exam was largely smooth, some technical issues were reported at specific centres and are under review.
Key Facts
- Date of protest: August 16, 2026.
- Location: examination centres in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
- Protest figure: CJP convenor Abhijeet Dipke joined the demonstrators.
- Alleged issues: computers not functioning, screens turning yellow, keyboards failing, and early logout within 10 minutes at some centres.
- Centre-related statement: issues reported at Aurangabad and Kalyan; review underway.
- Eligibility and scope: about 13,000 candidates eligible across Maharashtra; 2,900 appeared in Marathwada and Vidarbha at local centres; 1,300 posts across Nagpur and Aurangabad benches; three test sessions.
- Demands: a written notification of a re-examination; retest on different computers; written assurance from the district court judge at the centre.
- Travel and preparation: candidates had travelled from multiple districts including Beed, Ambajogai, Amravati, and Latur.
- Official stance: the registrar stated the process was conducted smoothly overall with some issues being examined.
What Happens Next
Official communication promised to inform candidates about any further appropriate action after a review of the reported issues. A re-examination would require an official decision and arrangements to ensure functioning infrastructure for the test, should it be ordered.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
Related stories
Karnataka opposition accuses govt of drought neglect as handloom market opens
CEC credits SIR for Bihar turnout and record election participation
Complaint seeks probe into alleged disruption of Vande Mataram at Thrissur Corporation in Kerala