The Delhi High Court denied anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer accused of fraudulently obtaining benefits under OBC and disability quotas in the 2022 Civil Services Examination. The court established a strong case for further investigation into her alleged misrepresentation and fraud against constitutional provisions, despite her claims of innocence.
Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer accused of fraudulently availing benefits under the OBC and disability quotas in the 2022 Civil Services Examination. Justice Chandra Dhari Singh ruled that Khedkar’s petition lacked merit and emphasized that a “strong prima facie case” had been established against her, necessitating further investigation into the alleged conspiracy.
The Court described the matter as a “classic case of fraud committed on a constitutional body as well as society,” underlining the severity of the allegations.
Khedkar is accused of submitting false information in her UPSC application to misuse reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability categories. The accusations include not only misrepresentation but also manipulation of attempts and identity falsification to gain an unfair advantage in the examination process.
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The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Delhi Police strongly opposed her bail plea. Senior advocates Naresh Kaushik and Vardhman Kaushik, representing the UPSC, argued that Khedkar’s actions involved serious allegations of fraudulent misrepresentation and identity theft, warranting a thorough probe.
Despite the mounting evidence, Khedkar has consistently maintained her innocence, claiming the accusations are based on a misunderstanding and asserting that she has been unfairly targeted.
In July, the UPSC initiated legal proceedings against Khedkar, filing a criminal case and notifying authorities. Following this, the Delhi Police registered an FIR under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Information Technology Act, and Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act. These charges stem from the UPSC’s investigation, which uncovered evidence suggesting Khedkar’s alleged false claims of eligibility for reservation benefits.
Justice Singh emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud. The dismissal of Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea marks a critical step in ensuring accountability in cases involving alleged misuse of constitutional provisions.
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