New Delhi, December 23:
The Delhi High Court on Monday rejected the plea for anticipatory bail filed by former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who is facing charges of cheating and improperly claiming OBC and disability quota benefits in the 2022 Civil Services Examination.
“Anticipatory bail plea is dismissed. Interim protection from arrest is vacated,” said Justice Chandra Dhari Singh while delivering the verdict.
Justice Singh observed that a strong prima facie case had been established against Khedkar, and further investigation was necessary to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.
The judge described the incident as a clear case of fraud committed against a constitutional body and society at large.
Khedkar is accused of submitting false information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 to secure reservation benefits.
The Delhi Police and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), the complainant in the case, opposed the anticipatory bail petition. The UPSC was represented by senior advocates Naresh Kaushik and Vardhman Kaushik.
Khedkar has denied all the allegations.
The UPSC took action against Khedkar in July, initiating a criminal case for allegedly attempting to secure multiple attempts in the examination by falsifying her identity. In response, the Delhi Police filed an FIR under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act, and the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act.
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