The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday extended its interim order granting protection from arrest to Puja Khedkar, a former Indian Administrative Service (IAS) trainee, who is accused in a fraudulent case related to the 2022 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination. Khedkar is allegedly involved in forging documents to gain eligibility for the UPSC exam by claiming reservations meant for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities.
A bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma heard the case and decided to maintain the interim protection until the next hearing, which is scheduled for April 21. The bench also noted that although a counter affidavit had been filed on behalf of Khedkar, it was not yet reflected in the court’s records.
This case involves serious accusations of document forgery and deception. The Delhi Police had earlier requested custodial interrogation to investigate the broader scam involving fake certificates submitted by UPSC candidates, particularly as Khedkar allegedly obtained forged certificates to avail of the OBC and disability reservations.
In response, the bench emphasized that the police must investigate the source of the forged documents, but noted that Khedkar’s detention was not immediately necessary. The court had initially granted her protection from arrest in January, allowing her to cooperate with the investigation.
Khedkar, who had earlier approached the Delhi High Court for anticipatory bail, saw her plea rejected with strong remarks from the High Court. The court stated that her actions were a “classic example of fraud” that not only undermines the credibility of constitutional bodies like the UPSC but also harms society and the nation at large. Furthermore, the High Court pointed out the potential for collusion, noting that Khedkar’s parents held prominent positions, adding complexity to the investigation.
The Delhi Police has filed criminal charges against Khedkar, accusing her of cheating and unlawfully claiming benefits meant for OBC and disabled candidates. The case has sparked widespread concern, with authorities keen to uncover the full extent of the fraud involving fake documents in the UPSC recruitment process.
Khedkar’s counsel assured the court that she would continue to cooperate with the ongoing investigation, and the court is expected to address further developments during the next hearing on April 21.
Sources By Agencies