Delhi High Court Denies Anticipatory Bail to Former IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar
The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, accused of fraudulently availing reservation benefits under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) quotas to clear the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022.
Fraudulent Misrepresentation Alleged
The allegations against Khedkar include forging documents and falsifying information to claim benefits reserved for disadvantaged groups. The UPSC, the complainant in the case, has labeled her the “mastermind” of a conspiracy to manipulate the examination system. A public statement issued by the UPSC revealed that Khedkar allegedly falsified details such as her name, her parents’ names, and other personal identifiers to avail quota benefits beyond permissible limits.
Court Observations
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh, while denying bail, observed that a prima facie case had been made against Khedkar and emphasized the need for custodial interrogation to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy. The court vacated the interim protection granted to her in August and underscored that the evidence indicated her actions undermined the principles of fairness and equality.
In its judgment, the court remarked, “The petitioner’s actions represent a classic example of fraud not just against a constitutional body but also against society at large.” It further stated that her alleged misconduct constituted a betrayal of the integrity of the UPSC, one of the world’s most prestigious examination bodies.
UPSC’s Action
The UPSC has permanently debarred Khedkar from all future examinations and cancelled her candidature for the 2022 examination. The Commission directed a thorough investigation into her alleged misconduct and called for scrutiny of past candidates who may have similarly misused the reservation system.
Allegations of Family Influence
Investigators suspect that Khedkar’s family, reportedly affluent and influential, may have played a role in producing fraudulent certificates to support her claims. Her family’s ownership of luxury assets has further fueled suspicion.
Wider Implications
The case highlights the vulnerabilities in the UPSC’s reservation system and raises concerns over potential systemic abuse. In its order, the trial court directed investigative agencies to expand their scope to identify other individuals who may have benefited from similar fraudulent practices.
Khedkar has denied the allegations, claiming that the evidence against her is purely documentary and that her custody is unwarranted. However, the Delhi Police argued that her custodial interrogation was essential to unearth the involvement of other individuals in the alleged fraud.
Conclusion
As the investigation continues, the case has sparked widespread discussion about the need for stricter mechanisms to safeguard the fairness and integrity of India’s examination systems.
