SC grants anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar in quota fraud case

THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK

New Delhi, May 21: The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who is facing serious allegations of using false claims to secure benefits under the OBC and disability quotas in the 2022 civil services examination.

Despite strong opposition from Delhi Police, the apex court bench, comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, found merit in granting her relief.

Questioning the severity of the action taken against her, the bench remarked, “What is the grave crime she has committed? She is not a drug lord or a terrorist. She has not committed 302 (murder). She is not an NDPS offender. You should have a system or a software. You complete the investigation. She has lost everything and will not get a job anywhere.”

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The court further observed that the Delhi High Court should have granted her bail, given the nature and circumstances of the case.

The Supreme Court has now directed Khedkar to fully cooperate with the ongoing probe.

Delhi Police, however, objected to the bail plea, asserting that Khedkar was not cooperating with the investigation and highlighting the gravity of the charges. Khedkar has denied all accusations of misrepresentation in her UPSC application and maintains her innocence.

Khedkar forged documents to avail disability and quota benefits

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken disciplinary and legal steps against her, including filing a criminal case. An FIR has also been lodged by the Delhi Police, accusing her of furnishing false information and misusing reservation benefits to secure multiple attempts in the civil services exam.

The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the charges, which include allegations of systemic manipulation involving forged documents and impersonation in the civil services selection process.

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Khedkar has been charged by the Delhi Police with fraudulently securing OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination.

She is alleged to have misrepresented facts in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 to claim reservation benefits.

Khedkar, who was appointed as an IAS officer in the 2023 Maharashtra cadre, is alleged to have forged documents, such as a Physical Disability Certificate and a Non-Creamy Layer Certificate, to secure OBC reservation in the competitive exam. She is also accused of falsifying her identity to take the UPSC exam beyond the allowed number of attempts.

On July 31, the UPSC revoked Khedkar’s candidature and prohibited her from future examinations. The UPSC stated that it thoroughly reviewed the available records and determined that she was guilty of violating the rules of the CSE-2022.