Former probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar challenged the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) decision to cancel her candidature by filing a petition with the Delhi High Court on Monday. The petition was presented before a bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and is set for a hearing on Wednesday.
On July 31, the UPSC announced the cancellation of Khedkar’s provisional candidature through a press statement, citing her guilt in cheating and forgery. As a result, she has been disqualified from future exams and selections.
The UPSC had given Khedkar until 3:30 pm on July 30, 2024, to respond to a show-cause notice, emphasizing that this was her final opportunity. They warned that no further extensions would be granted and that any failure to respond by the deadline would lead to further action without additional reference. Khedkar did not submit her explanation within the allotted time, leading to the cancellation of her candidature and a permanent ban from future UPSC exams, according to the commission’s statement.
Recently, the Delhi Patiala House Court dismissed Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation. Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala stated that custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy and the involvement of others.
The court noted that Khedkar faces charges under Section 420/468/471/120B IPC, Section 66D IT Act, and Sections 89/91 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, for allegedly deceiving the complainant. The investigating agency was instructed to broaden its inquiry to include candidates who may have illegally exceeded permissible attempts, improperly claimed OBC (non-creamy layer) benefits, or fraudulently obtained disability benefits, and to investigate any possible insider assistance in Khedkar’s case.
Khedkar has also applied for anticipatory bail in relation to an FIR lodged against her for allegedly falsifying her identity to fraudulently obtain additional attempts in the civil services examination. The FIR was filed by the Delhi Police based on a complaint from the UPSC.
