Pooja Khedkar, a former IAS officer, faces allegations of submitting forged disability certificates to cheat in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022. The Delhi High Court extended her interim arrest protection until October 4, 2024, as investigations suggest a larger conspiracy. Khedkar denies the charges and was discharged from the service on September 7.
The Supreme Court Today (Sept 24) dismissed the Punjab government’s appeal against a high court verdict quashing its decision to expand the definition of ‘NRI quota’ for admissions in undergraduate medical and dental courses in the state. “This fraud must come to an end now,” the apex court said.
The Jharkhand High Court ruled that the state cannot suspend internet services during examinations without prior court permission, emphasizing that such actions violate fundamental rights. The court criticized the government’s justification for the broader shutdown, suggesting it constituted contempt of court and lacked factual basis, undermining public convenience and judicial authority.
The Supreme Court today granted bail to former Bhushan Steel MD Neeraj Singal in a Rs 46,000 crore money laundering case. Justices Khanna and Kumar acknowledged the gravity of the allegations but cited his prolonged custody and stalled trial for bail. Singhvi and Sibal represented Singal. Singal was granted bail with conditions, including surrendering his passport.
Puja Khedkar contested the UPSC’s decision to disqualify her, arguing that once appointed as a probationer, the commission lacked the authority to revoke her candidature. The UPSC accused her of fraudulent practices, leading to legal proceedings including a criminal case and suspension of her probation period. Khedkar denies the allegations and challenges the UPSC’s actions in court.
The Supreme Court of India filed a cyber crime complaint with Delhi police against a social media handle for impersonating Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and seeking money to avail a cab to attend a Collegium meeting. In a screenshot which went viral online, the scammer is seen posing as CJI and requesting Rs 500 for a cab ride to attend a Collegium meeting.
The Supreme Court expressed concern over the confusion and misapplication of laws regarding criminal breach of trust and cheating. It noted that police often file FIRs for both offenses based on mere claims of dishonesty, causing numerous injustices. The court stressed the need for proper training of police officers to understand the distinction between the two offenses.
A Delhi court denied bail to Mohit Goyal for allegedly forging the signature of lawyer Sidharth Luthra in a legal notice sent to IndusInd Bank. The judge emphasized Goyal’s history of similar offenses and the societal interest in denying bail. Goyal’s arrest followed a complaint by Luthra, and the case has sparked discussions on preventing such incidents.
The Calcutta Court issued a warning to UpHealth officials for failing to appear before the investigation agency in a case involving alleged fraud against Glocal Healthcare. The chargesheet implicates UpHealth and its officials, highlighting criminal offenses, and emphasizes the importance of securing the accused’s presence for trial proceedings. The case centers on deliberate financial deception and the complex legal battle it has sparked.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted the significance of the rule of law in Indian arbitration during the London International Disputes Week. He emphasized the robust framework of the Arbitration Act and the availability of constitutional remedies for rights violations. The discussion also featured insights on the newly established Arbitration Bar of India, aiming to integrate international best practices into Indian arbitration.
