Did the SC Grant Anticipatory Bail to Ex-IAS Trainee Officer Puja Khedkar?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court's decision to grant anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar, a dismissed IAS officer accused of fraud, raises questions about integrity in civil services. What implications does this have for future candidates?
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to former IAS officer Puja Khedkar.
- Allegations include submission of false documents related to OBC and PwBD quotas.
- The UPSC has cancelled her selection and barred her from future examinations.
- The case highlights the need for integrity in civil services.
- Ongoing investigations are crucial to uncover the full extent of the fraud.
New Delhi, May 21 (NationPress) The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar, a dismissed probationary IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, who is accused of presenting fraudulent OBC and PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) certificates. She is alleged to have unlawfully availed attempts beyond the allowed limits set for the civil services examination.
A bench led by Justices B.V. Nagarathna and S.C. Sharma has confirmed its earlier interim ruling that prohibits any coercive measures against Khedkar concerning the FIR filed with the Delhi Police at the request of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
The apex court urged Puja Khedkar to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation and warned her against misusing her freedom or influencing potential witnesses.
On January 15, the Justice Nagarathna-led bench had instructed the Delhi Police and the UPSC to respond to Khedkar’s anticipatory bail application while issuing an interim protection order in her favor.
Previously, the Delhi High Court had denied Khedkar’s pre-arrest bail request and revoked its earlier order that had provided her with protection from arrest.
In a ruling delivered on December 15, 2024, a bench headed by Justice Chandra Dhari Singh noted that a substantial case had been established against Khedkar, emphasizing the necessity for custodial interrogation in offenses of this nature to uncover the facts.
The Delhi High Court, on November 28, 2024, had reserved its ruling on her anticipatory bail application after considering arguments from both sides. It was clarified that the interim relief granted earlier on August 12, which protected Khedkar from arrest, would remain in effect until the judgment was issued.
Earlier, a Delhi court had rejected her anticipatory bail request and instructed the investigative agency to determine if anyone within the UPSC had assisted Khedkar.
Expanding the investigation's scope, Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala directed the Delhi Police to explore if other individuals recommended by the UPSC had received quota benefits without eligibility.
On September 7, 2024, the Centre terminated Khedkar’s service in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) immediately, just a month after the UPSC annulled her selection for government service.
Khedkar has been found guilty of fabricating and improperly claiming OBC and disability quota benefits. Following the annulment of her selection, the UPSC has permanently barred her from taking the entrance exam after confirming her identity fraud in multiple examination attempts.
Point of View
I view the Supreme Court's ruling on Puja Khedkar's anticipatory bail as a pivotal moment in upholding the integrity of civil services. This case not only highlights the critical need for fair examination processes but also reinforces our commitment to ethical standards in governance. We must support thorough investigations that ensure accountability in public service.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Puja Khedkar?
Puja Khedkar faced allegations of submitting false OBC and PwBD certificates and fraudulently exceeding the permissible attempts in the civil services examination.
What did the Supreme Court ruling entail?
The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar and prohibited any coercive action against her while urging her to cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
What actions were taken by the UPSC?
The UPSC annulled Khedkar's selection in government service and imposed a lifetime ban on her from taking the entrance exam due to her fraudulent activities.
What is the significance of this case?
This case underscores the importance of integrity in civil services and raises serious questions about the examination processes and the measures in place to prevent fraud.
How did the Delhi High Court respond to Khedkar's bail plea?
The Delhi High Court had previously denied Khedkar's pre-arrest bail request and revoked its earlier protective order against her arrest.
