Patna, March 20 (IANS) The Patna High Court on Friday slammed as "very shameful" Bihar Education Minister P.K. Shahi's statement that cheating-free exams were not possible in the state.

The court, hearing a petition filed by a senior lawyer against Shahi's remarks, expressed its displeasure over the minister's statement.

It directed Bihar Police chief P.K. Thakur to ensure free and fair Class 10 board examination across the state, the petitioner said.

The case will come up for further hearing on March 27.

Meanwhile, police used batons on Tuesday to disperse a large number of people helping students to cheat in the examination at Hajipur, witnesses said.

On Thursday, Shahi said that cheating-free examinations were not possible in Bihar.

More than 1.4 million students are appearing in these exams amid reports of mass copying and cheating.