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4mo ago

Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Ex-IAS Officer Puja Khedkar in Quota Fraud Case

The court emphasized the non-grave nature of the alleged offences and directed Khedkar to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.

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Puja Khedkar
Puja Khedkar is accused of forging documents to obtain eligibility for the 2022 civil services examination.
While disposing off Khedkar’s plea, the court also permitted Delhi police to seek cancellation of bail in the event she is found to tamper with evidence, influence witnesses or not cooperating with the probe. (HT PHOTO)

Overview

  • The Supreme Court granted anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar, accused of forging OBC and disability certificates to gain eligibility for the 2022 UPSC exam.
  • The court criticized the Delhi High Court for denying bail, stating the offences did not warrant custodial interrogation and were not of a grave nature like murder or terrorism.
  • Khedkar was directed to cooperate with the Delhi Police investigation, avoid tampering with evidence, and not influence witnesses.
  • The UPSC had previously canceled Khedkar's candidature, permanently barred her from future exams, and the government discharged her from the IAS.
  • The case has prompted scrutiny of reservation quota rules and raised concerns about systemic vulnerabilities in the civil services examination process.