Delhi HC denies anticipatory bail to former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar in UPSC cheating case

The Delhi High Court dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, accused of forging documents and providing false information to gain undue advantages in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination. Interim protection from arrest granted earlier has also been vacated.

Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting her identity and falsely claiming benefits under the OBC and disability quotas in her 2022 UPSC examination application. These alleged actions reportedly enabled her to exceed the maximum permissible attempts for the examination, which is strictly regulated under the UPSC guidelines.

The Centre discharged Khedkar from the IAS in September following an internal inquiry. This disciplinary action was taken based on evidence suggesting her misuse of reservation policies. Officials stated that her dismissal occurred while she was still a probationary officer.

An FIR was filed against Khedkar under the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. The charges include cheating, forgery, and misrepresentation. The investigation seeks to uncover the extent of the alleged irregularities and to identify others who might have been involved.

The UPSC initiated its actions in July, including lodging a criminal complaint against Khedkar. It alleged that her falsified documents and fabricated claims undermined the credibility of the examination process and violated the norms meant to ensure fairness in competitive recruitment.

Khedkar denies all allegations against her. The Delhi Police, along with the UPSC, opposed her plea for anticipatory bail, arguing that granting it could impede the investigation. Authorities are focusing on determining the full scope of the alleged conspiracy to manipulate the UPSC examination system.