The Delhi High Court on Monday denied anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who is facing charges of cheating and fraudulently claiming benefits under the OBC and disability quotas in the UPSC Civil Services Examination, reports PTI.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh dismissed Khedkar’s plea for anticipatory bail and vacated any interim protection from arrest. The judge noted that a strong prima facie case had been made against Khedkar, adding that further investigation was necessary to uncover the alleged conspiracy.
“This is a classic case of fraud committed on a constitutional body as well as society,” the judge said.
Khedkar is accused of submitting false information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2022 to receive reservation benefits. She has denied all allegations.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and Delhi Police opposed her bail application. The UPSC was represented by senior advocates Naresh Kaushik and Vardhman Kaushik.
In July, the UPSC initiated a criminal case against Khedkar, alleging that she had misrepresented her identity to gain extra attempts in the exam.
The Delhi Police registered an FIR under multiple legal provisions, including the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act, and the Right of Persons with Disabilities Act.