On Monday, the Delhi High Court rejected the anticipatory bail application of former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar, who faces allegations of cheating and illegally obtaining advantages under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and disability quotas to pass the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exams.
Khedkar was previously refused anticipatory bail by a trial court, leading her to contest the ruling in the Delhi High Court.
The court observed that Khedkar’s behavior seemed to stem from “an intention to gain advantages from programs intended for marginalized groups in society.”
The inquiry showed that her family, possessing luxury vehicles and significant power, may have enabled the creation of fake certificates to alter the quota system.
In a firm statement, the court stated, “The strategies employed by the petitioner pose many inquiries. Her behavior exemplifies a typical instance of fraud that weakens not just a constitutional entity but society as a whole.”
The court also noted that “actions undertaken by the petitioner appear to be a segment of a broader conspiracy to exploit the system,” stressing the importance of custodial questioning to reveal the complete scope of the purported fraud.
As millions of candidates take the UPSC exam annually, the court emphasized the seriousness of Khedkar’s alleged wrongdoing, asserting that it represented a significant violation of the ideals of fairness and equality.
Rejecting her petition, the High Court determined, “A compelling case has been presented against the petitioner, and questioning is necessary to uncover the conspiracy.”
Khedkar stands accused of supposedly distorting details in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022 to obtain reservation advantages, claims that were explicitly refuted by the former IAS probationer.
