Patna, Jan 16 (Reporter) Patna High Court on Thursday directed the Bihar Public Service Commission (BPSC) to file its replies by January 30 on pleas for cancellation of Preliminary Test (PT) for 70th combined competitive examination held on December 13, as it was allegedly marred by a series of irregularities, including paper leak. Justice Arvind Singh Chandel after hearing arguments of counsel of the petitioners Pappu Kumar and others, for cancellation of PT for 70th combined competitive examination and other reliefs, directed the BPSC to file counter affidavit by January 30 or earlier, making its stand clear on issues raised in petition. January 31 was fixed as next date for hearing the case. The Court refused to grant any immediate relief to petitioners but clarified that result of preliminary test conducted by BPSC on December 13 and again on January 4 for candidates who had earlier appeared at Bapu examination centre in Patna, would be subject to its verdict on the petition. BPSC had organised re-examination for candidates of Bapu centre only as there was disturbance at this centre after papers were distributed late, triggering strong protests from them. Even district administration of Patna had accepted some irregularities at this centre and sent its report to the Commission, but dismissed the reports of paper leak. As it is, BPSC aspirants had been agitating in support of their demands including re-conducting preliminary test earlier held on December 13 as it was allegedly marred by a series of irregularities. Almost all opposition parties including RJD, Congress and CPI(ML) had extended their support to BPSC aspirants. Independent MP from Purnia Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav had staged protests on streets in Patna in support of BPSC aspirants. Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor had staged fast-unto-death dharna at Gandhi Maidan in Patna from January 2 demanding re-examination. He continued his fasting even after his arrest on January 6 and release on bail on same day. He was also on fast when admitted to hospital after his condition deteriorated. Kishor ended his fast on January 16 after accepting juice from BPSC aspirants...////...