The Supreme Court on Monday directed former IAS probationer Ms. Puja Khedkar to appear before the Delhi Police on May 2 in connection with the ongoing investigation into allegations of cheating and misusing reservation benefits in the civil services examination.
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A bench comprising Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma granted Ms. Khedkar interim protection from arrest and stated that no coercive action would be taken against her until the next hearing scheduled for May 21.
The top court observed that no substantial progress had been made in the investigation so far and instructed Delhi Police to expedite the probe. During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Mr. S.V. Raju, appearing for the Delhi Police, argued that custodial interrogation of Ms. Khedkar was necessary for the case.
Ms. Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting facts in her application for the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination, allegedly availing the benefits of the OBC and disability quotas under false pretenses. She has denied all allegations.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court had dismissed her anticipatory bail plea, observing that a strong prima facie case existed and that her custodial interrogation was essential to uncover a larger conspiracy aimed at manipulating the system. The court also held that granting relief at that stage could negatively impact the ongoing investigation.
The interim protection from arrest was first granted by the high court when it issued a notice on her bail plea on August 12, 2024, and was extended periodically.
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has taken serious action in the case, including lodging a criminal complaint against Ms. Khedkar for allegedly faking her identity to make multiple attempts at the examination. An FIR has also been registered by the Delhi Police under various sections related to the charges.
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