NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Monday rejected former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar’s anticipatory bail request in a criminal case accusing her of cheating and misusing OBC and disability quota benefits during the civil services examination.
“Anticipatory bail plea is dismissed. Interim protection from arrest is vacated,” stated Justice Chandra Dhari Singh while delivering the verdict.
Justice Singh highlighted that a strong prima facie case existed against Khedkar and emphasised the need for investigation to uncover the conspiracy.
Calling it a clear instance of fraud against both a constitutional body and society, the judge underlined the seriousness of the matter.
Khedkar allegedly misrepresented information in her 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination application to claim reservation benefits.
Delhi Police and the complainant, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), opposed her plea for pre-arrest bail.
Senior advocate Naresh Kaushik and lawyer Vardhman Kaushik appeared on behalf of the UPSC.
Khedkar has denied all accusations.
In July, the UPSC began taking action against Khedkar, including filing a criminal case, for allegedly faking her identity to avail additional attempts in the civil services exam.
The Delhi Police subsequently filed an FIR under the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act.
(With inputs from agencies)