Ex-IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Says UPSC Lacks Authority To Disqualify Her Candidature

Former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, accused of misrepresenting her eligibility for OBC and disability quota benefits, has argued before the Delhi High Court that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) lacks the authority to disqualify her after her selection and appointment as a probationary officer.

She contends that only the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) of the Central Government can take action against her at this stage.

The UPSC had cancelled Khedkar's candidature last month and barred her from future exams, alleging that she misrepresented her qualifications during the UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2022 to obtain reservation benefits.

In response to these charges, Khedkar asserted that "once selected and appointed as a Probationary Officer, UPSC does not have the power to disqualify the candidature," emphasising that the UPSC's role ends with the examination and selection process.

The UPSC has also accused Khedkar of attempting the exam more than the six times allowed for general category candidates by altering her name and her parents' names.

Khedkar refuted this, stating, "there has been no change in my name or surname from 2012 to 2022," and denying any misrepresentation in her application.

Khedkar further argued that her identity was verified through biometric data and that all her documents, including her educational certificates, Aadhaar card, and other personal information, were found to be "absolutely correct."

She noted that "all the necessary verifications were also done by DoPT" and that a medical board from AIIMS confirmed her disability to be 47%, which qualifies her for the PwBD (Person with Benchmark Disability) category.

However, the UPSC has opposed her anticipatory bail plea, describing her actions as "fraud" against both the commission and the public.

The commission stated, "the gravity of the fraud committed is unprecedented in nature," affecting not just the credibility of the UPSC but also the public trust in the civil services examination process.

The Delhi Police also urged the court to dismiss her bail plea, arguing that it would obstruct their investigation into what they described as a "deep-rooted conspiracy."

The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear Khedkar's petition today.