SC Grants Interim Protection from Arrest to Ex-IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar
SC Grants Interim Protection from Arrest to Ex-IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar
The Supreme Court, in a recent ruling, has extended the interim order protecting former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar from arrest. Khedkar is facing allegations of forging documents to secure eligibility for the 2022 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. The court, consisting of Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, has also directed the Delhi Police to swiftly complete their investigation into the matter. This decision signifies the court’s commitment to ensuring a fair and timely investigation while safeguarding the rights of the accused.
The Supreme Court questioned why the Delhi police had not made progress in the investigation, given that Khedkar had stated in an affidavit that she was willing to cooperate. Justice Nagarathna directed Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the Delhi Police, to “pursue this investigation with determination.”
The bench set April 15 as the date to hear Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea.
During the hearing, ASG Raju told the court that the police needed to carry out a custodial interrogation to probe a larger scam involving fake documents submitted by UPSC candidates. He explained that Khedkar’s custodial questioning was essential to uncover the full scope of the scam, stating, “We have identified that this could be a scam involving people providing fake certificates, and we need to determine whether Khedkar’s case is an isolated one or part of a wider network.”
The bench remarked that the origin of the forged certificates allegedly obtained by Khedkar must be revealed, but this does not mean she needs to be held in custody. Khedkar’s lawyer contested the forgery claims, clarifying that she was diagnosed with a low-vision disability in 2018 and has attempted the UPSC exam three times since then.
The counsel argued that Khedkar’s attempts as a disabled candidate have not been fully exhausted. In response, the bench remarked, “You must justify your attempts.”
Puja Khedkar, a former IAS trainee officer, has appealed the Delhi High Court’s decision to deny her anticipatory bail. She is accused of forging documents to secure eligibility for the 2022 UPSC exam, specifically by fraudulently claiming reservations meant for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
The Delhi High Court had previously dismissed Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, making harsh remarks, calling her case a “classic example of fraud” against not just a constitutional body, but also society and the nation as a whole. The court emphasized the need for interrogation to uncover the conspiracy involved.
It also highlighted that Khedkar’s parents held prestigious positions, which suggested the possibility of collusion with powerful individuals. Khedkar is facing criminal charges filed by the Delhi Police, accusing her of cheating and illegally claiming benefits under the OBC and disability quotas in the civil services examination.
