Delhi HC denies anticipatory bail to Puja Khedkar in UPSC cheating case

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday denied anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar in connection with a criminal case filed against her for allegedly cheating and wrongfully benefiting from OBC and disability quotas in the civil services examination.

"Anticipatory bail plea is dismissed. Interim protection from arrest is vacated," Justice Chandra Dhari Singh said while ruling on the plea.

A strong prima facie case was made out against Khedkar, and an investigation was required to unearth the conspiracy, said Justice Singh.  It was a classic case of fraud committed on a constitutional body as well as society, the judge added.

Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022 to get reservation benefits.

The counsel for the Delhi Police, as well as the complainant, the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), opposed the plea for pre-arrest bail.

The UPSC was represented by senior advocate Naresh Kaushik and lawyer Vardhman Kaushik. Khedkar has denied all allegations against her.

The UPSC initiated a series of actions against Khedkar in July, including lodging a criminal case for availing attempts in the civil services exam by faking her identity.

The Delhi Police registered an FIR under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act and Right of Persons with Disabilities Act.