The Delhi High Court has extended interim protection from arrest for suspended IAS officer Puja Khedkar until September 5, 2024. The decision arose during a hearing where Justice Subramonium Prasad addressed Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, which has been deferred to allow Delhi Police time to review new submissions and file a status report.
Khedkar is facing serious allegations involving cheating and the improper acquisition of benefits under the OBC and disability quotas. In her defense, she asserted that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) does not possess the authority to disqualify her from the civil services examination process. Previously, the court had directed UPSC and Delhi Police to respond to Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, emphasizing that her immediate arrest was not considered necessary at this stage.
The High Court criticized the trial court’s prior denial of Khedkar’s bail as lacking in substantial justification, noting it didn’t thoroughly address the Public Prosecutor’s claims regarding other individuals’ involvement. The court has instructed authorities to refrain from arresting Khedkar until further proceedings take place on Friday.
The UPSC has characterized Khedkar as a “mastermind” in the alleged conspiracy, arguing that her actions required external assistance, which they claim justifies the need for custodial interrogation. Khedkar’s plea follows a dismissal from the Patiala House Court, where serious allegations regarding her attempts to falsify her identity for additional attempts in the civil services examination were noted.
The trial court asserted that custodial interrogation was vital to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and the involvement of accomplices. It highlighted the seriousness of the allegations, with Khedkar charged under various sections of the IPC and IT Act, as well as the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.
The court indicated that the complainant, UPSC—a Constitutional authority responsible for conducting prestigious examinations—must uphold transparency and fairness in its procedures. Noting a breach of Standard Operating Procedures, the court emphasized the need for UPSC to strengthen its processes to prevent future occurrences of such violations.
The court also mandated a more extensive investigation by the authorities to identify candidates who may have illegally benefited from extra attempts, OBC status, or disability allowances. It called for a thorough review of previous recommendations to ensure integrity in the civil service selection process.
In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court has granted Khedkar the opportunity to challenge the cancellation of her candidacy through appropriate legal channels.
