SC Extends Interim Relief To Ex-IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar In UPSC Cheating Case

The Supreme Court has extended protection from arrest for Puja Khedkar, an accused of faking documents for UPSC eligibility, until March 17.

File photo of Puja Khedkar.

Source : ANI

The Supreme Court on Friday extended its interim order till March 17 granting protection from arrest to former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar, accused of forging her documents to obtain eligibility for the 2022 Union Public Service Commission test.

As per the details, the apex court has granted the Delhi police more time to file their response to Kedkar's challenge to the Delhi High Court's order rejecting her anticipatory bail plea. The SC also asked Kedkar to cooperate in the investigation.

Appearing for Khedkar, senior advocate Siddharth Luthra, submitted that police were not calling her for investigation and she was willing to come. The top court directed the ASG to file reply within three weeks.

The court on January 15 had issued notice to the Delhi government and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Khedkar's plea seeking anticipatory bail.

While dismissing her anticipatory bail plea, the high court found a strong prima facie case against Khedkar and said an investigation was needed to unearth the "larger conspiracy" to manipulate the system, and allowing the reprieve would adversely impact it. The High Court said, "Anticipatory bail plea is dismissed. Interim protection from arrest is vacated."

Khedkar was granted an interim protection from arrest when the high court issued notice on her anticipatory bail plea on August 12, 2024, and it was extended from time to time.

Puja Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the UPSC civil services examination, in 2022, to get reservation benefits. She has denied all allegations against her. The UPSC initiated a series of actions against Khedkar in July, including lodging a criminal case, for availing attempts in the civil services exam by faking her identity. The Delhi Police registered an FIR under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act and Right of Persons with Disabilities Act.