The Delhi High Court is currently deliberating on the case of Puja Khedkar, a former IAS probationer accused of committing fraud against the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and the public. The case has garnered significant attention as it underscores serious allegations of cheating and the misuse of reserved quotas in the prestigious Civil Services Examination.
On Wednesday, the UPSC strongly opposed Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, arguing that the gravity of her alleged fraud extends beyond a mere breach of examination rules. The UPSC contends that Khedkar’s actions constitute a significant violation of trust, not just against the commission but against the broader public who rely on the integrity of the civil services selection process.
The Union Public Service Commission’s response to the court detailed the scope of Khedkar’s alleged misconduct. The UPSC described the fraud as “unprecedented,” asserting that it undermines not only the constitutional body’s reputation but also the faith of the citizens who trust in the commission’s credibility. The reply, filed through advocate Vardhman Kaushik, stated, “The gravity of the fraud committed is unprecedented in nature having been committed against not only a constitutional body – the complainant – whose traditions are untrammelled and unparalleled but also against the public at large.”
According to the UPSC, Khedkar allegedly manipulated her application to avail benefits under the OBC and disability quotas fraudulently. The Delhi Police’s investigation has revealed that Khedkar was not eligible for these benefits, having already exhausted the permissible number of attempts allowed for a PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) + OBC candidate. The police report claims that Khedkar used a false identity to appear in multiple examinations despite being ineligible.
The Delhi Police also expressed concerns that granting anticipatory bail to Khedkar could impede their investigation into what they describe as a “deep-rooted conspiracy.” The police argue that Khedkar’s custodial interrogation is essential to uncover the full extent of the fraud and identify other individuals involved. The police report highlighted discrepancies in Khedkar’s declarations, such as falsely claiming that her parents were divorced and misrepresenting her family’s financial status to qualify for reservation benefits. It was found that her family owns multiple high-value assets, including several luxury vehicles and numerous properties.
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Furthermore, the Delhi Police has pointed out that there are ongoing inquiries into the authenticity of Khedkar’s disability certificates and educational claims. They fear that if granted bail, Khedkar might obstruct these investigations, potentially manipulating evidence and collaborating with others implicated in the fraud.
The UPSC has emphasized that allowing Khedkar to avoid arrest could set a dangerous precedent, emboldening individuals who seek to exploit the system. The commission’s reply stressed the need to safeguard the integrity of the recruitment process for India’s premier civil services and to prevent any actions that might compromise the examination’s fairness.
Earlier in the month, the court granted Khedkar interim protection from arrest, giving her time to respond to the UPSC’s and the Delhi Police’s positions. The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 29, as the court considers whether to continue the interim protection or grant the anticipatory bail plea.
The case against Khedkar has highlighted significant issues surrounding the integrity of the civil services examination and the broader implications for public trust in India’s recruitment processes. The Delhi High Court’s upcoming decision will be pivotal in determining how the justice system addresses such high-profile allegations of fraud and the impact on the credibility of institutions like the UPSC.
