Maharashtra TET Paper Leak: Government Weighs MCOCA as Opposition Demands Action

The Maharashtra government is considering invoking the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) in connection with the alleged paper leak of the Teachers' Eligibility Test (TET), Chief Minister Eknath Shinde indicated on Monday. The statement came amid a fierce political backlash from the opposition, which accused the ruling coalition of shielding culprits and failing to conduct free and fair examinations.

Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Shinde said that the state government was examining legal provisions to ensure strong action against those involved. “We are considering invoking MCOCA. The investigation is progressing, and anyone found guilty will face the full force of the law. We have zero tolerance for such malpractices,” he said.

The TET examination, held earlier this month, was marred by reports of a question paper leak that led to irregularities in several districts. The state education department has ordered a probe by the Maharashtra Police, and a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed.

Opposition parties, including the Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar faction), and Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray faction), have demanded a high-level inquiry and the arrest of those responsible. They also criticised the government for its handling of the issue and alleged a cover-up.

Earlier on Sunday, former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray accused the Shinde government of protecting “middlemen” in the education department. “The paper leak is not an isolated incident. It reflects a systemic failure and the state government’s complicity,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra State Council of Examinations has announced a re-examination for the affected candidates. The dates will be announced soon. The state government has also assured candidates that their interests will be safeguarded.

MCOCA, enacted in 1999, is designed to combat organised crime and syndicates. Its provisions include severe penalties and the possibility of attaching property derived from criminal activities. Legal experts say that invoking MCOCA in a paper leak case would require evidence of a larger criminal network operating systematically.

The opposition has questioned whether the government’s consideration of MCOCA is a move to deflect criticism and delay action. “If they are serious, why not arrest the accused immediately?” asked Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe.

The incident has also sparked wider concerns about the integrity of state-level exams. In recent months, several states have reported similar paper leaks, prompting demands for a central law to prevent such malpractices.

As the political row escalates, the focus remains on the ongoing investigation and the state government's next steps in ensuring accountability.