The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday informed the Delhi High Court that it will communicate to former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar within two days the formal order cancelling her candidature permanently.
Puja Khedkar had moved the Delhi High Court challenging cancellation of her candidature by UPSC. The matter was today heard by a bench headed by Justice Jyoti Singh.
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising appearing for Khedkar referring to the press release said that it is rather strange that UPSC has not yet given her the formal order cancelling the candidature till date. Puja Khedkar only has press release and thus she can not approach the tribunal against it.
"The press release has to be quashed, they have to supply me the order, so that I can approach the appropriate tribunal." Jaising told the high court.
The high court then granted liberty to Khedkar to approach appropriate forum to challenge cancellation of her candidature.
UPSC cancelled Khedkar's candidature and debarred her permanently from all the future examinations and selections of the Commission.
Accused of faking disabilty certificate and OBC certificate, Khedkar had told a Delhi court while seeking anticipatory bail that she is being targetted because she filed a sexual harassment case against a Collector.
According to a public statement by UPSC, Khedkar fraudulently availed attempts by faking her identity by changing her name from Pooja to Puja. She is also accused of changing her parents' details. The court was informed that Khedkar's father has declared assets worth Rs 55 crore. To claim OBC quota benefit she has said that her parents are divorced.
In the bail hearing, the Counsel appearing for UPSC said that Khedkar abused process of law not only before UPSC but also before courts for availing additional attempts. The public prosecutor also opposed the anticipatory bail for her. The court was also told that her medical certificates also have to be investigated.
The court was told that since she has already decieved UPSC and court, she must not be given anticipatory bail as she may influence the case.