Former IAS Officer Challenges Bail Denial in Identity Faking Allegations

Puja Khedkar, an ex-IAS officer, appeals to Delhi High Court for anticipatory bail after earlier rejection. She's accused of faking identity to gain extra civil services exam attempts. The High Court will review the case, emphasizing the necessity for a thorough investigation and robust standard operating procedures.

Puja Khedkar, a former IAS officer, has moved the Delhi High Court challenging a district court's decision denying her anticipatory bail. The FIR against her alleges that she faked her identity to gain more attempts than permitted in the civil services examination.

The bench of Justice Subramonium Prasad at the Delhi High Court is set to hear Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar's anticipatory bail plea on Friday. This follows the dismissal of her plea by Delhi's Patiala House Court last week, which found the allegations against her—related to falsifying identity for extra attempts in the civil services examination—to be serious and in need of thorough investigation.

The trial court Judge stated that custodial interrogation of the accused is required to unearth the entire conspiracy and to establish the involvement of other persons involved. Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala noted that the applicant is charged under multiple sections including Section 420/468/471/120B IPC, 66D IT Act, and sections 89/91 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

The applicant/accused allegedly faked her identity over several years, with assistance from insiders and outsiders. The court articulated that UPSC must maintain the highest transparency, and this breach signals the need for strengthened scrutiny systems. The court urged UPSC to reassess its recent recommendations and ensure no unauthorized attempts or benefits are given.

The investigating agency has been instructed to broaden its scope, probing not only the accused's actions but also potential internal help she might have received. The Delhi High Court has permitted Khedkar to challenge her candidature cancellation before the appropriate forum. Meanwhile, UPSC stated it will provide Khedkar the cancellation order within two days.

(With inputs from agencies.)