Supreme Court Grants Interim Protection to Ex-IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar
The Supreme Court has granted interim protection from arrest to former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar, who is embroiled in allegations of forging documents to secure eligibility for the 2022 Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) exam. The bench, comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, has directed the Delhi Police to expedite their investigation while ensuring Khedkar’s rights are protected.
The court expressed concern over the lack of progress in the investigation, despite Khedkar’s affidavit stating her willingness to cooperate. Justice Nagarathna urged Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, representing the Delhi Police, to pursue the case with determination. The bench has scheduled the next hearing for April 15 to address Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea.
During the proceedings, ASG Raju argued that custodial interrogation was necessary to uncover a potential larger scam involving fake documents submitted by UPSC candidates. He emphasized that Khedkar’s case might not be isolated and could be part of a broader network. However, the bench maintained that while the origin of the forged certificates must be investigated, Khedkar’s custody was not essential for this purpose.
Khedkar’s legal team refuted the forgery allegations, stating that she was diagnosed with a low-vision disability in 2018 and had attempted the UPSC exam three times since then. Her counsel argued that her attempts as a disabled candidate had not been fully exhausted, prompting the bench to remark, “You must justify your attempts.”
The case stems from accusations that Khedkar fraudulently claimed reservations under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities categories. The Delhi High Court had previously dismissed her anticipatory bail plea, labeling her case a “classic example of fraud” against constitutional bodies and society. The court also raised concerns about potential collusion with powerful individuals, given her parents’ prestigious positions.
As the legal battle continues, the Supreme Court’s interim protection order underscores the delicate balance between ensuring a thorough investigation and safeguarding the rights of the accused.
