UPSC Cheating Allegations: Puja Khedkar Seeks Relief From Supreme Court

Puja Khedkar, a dismissed trainee IAS officer, has moved the Supreme Court seeking anticipatory bail after the Delhi High Court rejected her plea. The High Court had earlier rejected Khedkar's application, labeling the case as "a striking instance of fraud, affecting not just a constitutional body but also society and the nation at large."

In response to the High Court's ruling, Khedkar has now submitted her appeal to the Supreme Court. A bench consisting of Justice B.V. Nagarathna and Justice Satish Sharma will hear the case tomorrow.

The Delhi High Court's strong remarks and its rejection of Khedkar's bail plea have further intensified the case, which has captured considerable public attention. The Supreme Court's upcoming hearing is eagerly awaited.

In a significant development, Puja Khedkar was discharged from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) in September 2024, following allegations that she had faked her identity to secure additional attempts in the UPSC Civil Services Examination.

Khedkar is accused of providing false information in her 2022 UPSC application to claim reservation benefits under fraudulent pretenses. After an inquiry into these allegations, the government decided to relieve her from her duties.

In July 2024, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) took disciplinary action against Khedkar, which included filing a criminal case. The Delhi Police subsequently registered an FIR against her, under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Information Technology Act, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.

This case has raised significant concerns regarding transparency in competitive examinations and has sparked calls for stricter oversight in the verification process for the country's prestigious services. Investigations are still ongoing.