Suspended IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar has filed a rejoinder with the Delhi High Court, opposing the submissions made by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Khedkar, who is facing serious allegations of falsifying and misrepresenting facts in her UPSC application, denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the UPSC lacks grounds to disqualify her. This legal move comes just a day before her interim protection from arrest is set to expire, with the Delhi High Court having extended this protection until August 29.
UPSC and Delhi Police oppose anticipatory bail
On Wednesday (August 28), the UPSC opposed Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, arguing before the Delhi High Court that she committed fraud against the commission and the public. The Delhi Police also sought the dismissal of her pre-arrest bail plea, claiming that any relief would hinder the ongoing investigation into what they termed a “deep-rooted conspiracy” with broader implications on public trust and the integrity of the civil services examination.
Justice Subramonium Prasad listed the matter for a hearing on August 29, extending the interim protection from arrest granted to Khedkar in the meantime. The court granted Khedkar time to respond to the stands taken by the UPSC and the Delhi Police.
UPSC says custodial interrogation necessary to uncover fraud
In its reply filed through advocate Vardhman Kaushik, UPSC emphasised the need for Khedkar’s custodial interrogation to uncover the full extent of the “fraud,” suggesting that it was not possible without the involvement of others. The UPSC urged the court to dismiss her pre-arrest bail plea, arguing:
“The gravity of the fraud committed is unprecedented in nature, having been committed against not only a constitutional body—the complainant—whose traditions are untrammeled and unparalleled but also against the public at large, including citizens of this country who have utmost faith in the credibility of the UPSC, as well as persons who could not be appointed despite being duly eligible and qualified due to the illegal means employed by the applicant to seek appointment.”
Allegations of misrepresentation in UPSC application
Khedkar stands accused of falsifying her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination-2022 to receive reservation benefits. The Delhi Police’s status report alleges that she fraudulently presented herself as an “OBC+Non-Creamy Layer” candidate by falsely declaring her parents as divorced, even though evidence suggests they were living together. The police stated:
“She had already exhausted all the permissible attempts available to a PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) + OBC candidate, i.e., nine attempts by CSE-2020 itself. Therefore, as per CSE Rules, she was not eligible to appear further for CSE-2021 and subsequent CSEs.”
Despite this, Khedkar appeared for the CSE-2021, CSE-2022, and CSP-2023 exams by allegedly changing her name and making incorrect statements about her previous attempts. The report further detailed her family’s financial standing, highlighting a significant disconnect between her claims and reality.
“While Khedkar claimed no connection with her father and showed her mother’s income as below the threshold to get the benefit of ‘OBC+Non-Creamy Layer,’ her family owns 12 vehicles, including a Mercedes, BMW, and Thar SUV. The family also owns 23 pieces of immovable property valued in crores across Maharashtra.”
Concerns over obstruction of investigation
The Delhi Police raised concerns that if Khedkar were granted anticipatory bail, it could obstruct ongoing investigations, including inquiries into the authenticity of her disability certificates and educational claims. The police argued:
“Petitioner alone could not have managed to make such manipulations. There is certainly a deep-rooted conspiracy which is required to be unearthed. It is a matter of investigation to find as to who all and how many persons are involved in such a big fraud where manipulation of details has been done with a premier institute like UPSC.”
The Delhi Police emphasised that Khedkar’s actions, if proven, would severely undermine public trust in the civil services examination process.
“There are serious charges involving deception and fraud against the petitioner. The case has wider implications on public trust, and it directly impacts the fairness and integrity of the entire examination and selection process.”
UPSC warns of broader implications
The UPSC echoed similar concerns, stressing that granting Khedkar anticipatory bail could “embolden” others who might attempt to exploit the system. The commission emphasised the need to protect the integrity of the civil services examination:
“The fact that the accused is at an advantageous position to be in cahoots with other individuals even before her selection as a Civil Service Officer speaks volumes about the kind of influence she has been able to yield even without being a part of the system.”
Background and legal proceedings
Earlier this month, the court had granted Khedkar interim protection from arrest. Last month, the UPSC initiated a series of actions against her, including the cancellation of her candidature and debarment from future exams. The Delhi Police has registered an FIR under the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act, and the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act, marking the case as one with significant legal and public ramifications.
As the legal battle continues, the stakes remain high, with both the UPSC and Delhi Police determined to bring the matter to a conclusive end, citing the need to uphold the sanctity of India’s premier civil services examination.
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