SC orders ex-IAS probationer Puja Khedkar to appear before Delhi Police on May 2 amid quota fraud probe

SC grants interim protection to ex-IAS probationer Puja Khedkar

The Supreme Court on Monday granted interim protection to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who stands accused of cheating and misusing reservation benefits in the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination. The court directed Khedkar to appear before Delhi Police on May 2 and stated that no coercive action shall be taken against her until May 21, the date of the next hearing.

A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma made the ruling while noting that no substantial investigation had taken place in the case so far and instructed the Delhi Police to conclude the probe expeditiously.

During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, representing Delhi Police, said that custodial interrogation of Khedkar was necessary to take the investigation forward. However, the apex court refrained from granting police custody at this stage.

The allegations: Identity fraud in civil services exam

Puja Khedkar, who briefly served as a probationary IAS officer in Maharashtra, is accused of misrepresenting her identity by falsely claiming benefits under both the Other Backward Class (OBC) and disability quotas. According to officials, she allegedly submitted fabricated documents to secure her UPSC rank and a coveted IAS position.

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) initiated a probe after discrepancies were found in her background and category claims. Based on UPSC’s complaint, the Delhi Police filed an FIR under multiple charges of fraud, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.

Khedkar has denied all allegations, claiming she is being unfairly targeted and has done nothing unlawful.

High Court observations: ‘Prima facie case of conspiracy’

Earlier, the Delhi High Court had dismissed her anticipatory bail plea, noting a strong prima facie case and emphasizing the need to investigate a “larger conspiracy to manipulate the system.” The court warned that granting pre-arrest bail would hinder the investigation and erode public trust in the integrity of the civil services selection process.

Despite these findings, Khedkar was granted interim protection by the high court on August 12, 2024, and the protection was repeatedly extended pending further hearings.

Background: Rise and fall of a controversial bureaucrat

Khedkar came into the national spotlight in mid-2024 after reports emerged that she had pressured authorities for VIP privileges even before formally joining the IAS. Her alleged demands included a dedicated car, bungalow, and staff, leading to criticism and an internal inquiry.

The controversy snowballed when her reservation certificates and disability claims were examined, exposing glaring irregularities. As a result, she was relieved of her IAS probation, and disciplinary and criminal proceedings were initiated.

Next steps in the case

With the Supreme Court now involved, the case has taken on national significance, particularly in light of ongoing debates around reservation misuse and bureaucratic accountability.

Khedkar is required to appear before Delhi Police on May 2, and the matter will be heard next on May 21. The court has instructed the authorities to pursue the investigation without bias, ensuring due process while maintaining public trust in civil institutions.

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