IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar Discharged Over Rule Violations: Delhi HC Involved

IAS Probationer Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar was discharged from service by the Centre following the Union Public Service Commission's decision to cancel her provisional candidature. Accused of cheating and forgery, Khedkar has moved the Delhi High Court to challenge the decision.

The Centre on Saturday discharged IAS Probationer Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) with immediate effect. This decision comes weeks after the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) annulled Khedkar's provisional candidature.

Puja Khedkar was dismissed under Rule 12 of IAS (Probation) Rules, 1954, which allows for discharge if an individual is found ineligible for recruitment. Sources indicate Khedkar exceeded the permitted number of attempts for her OBC and PwD categories in the Civil Services examination, exhausting her attempts prior to her 2022 selection. On July 31, UPSC announced the cancellation of Khedkar's provisional candidature due to accusations of cheating and forgery. The commission found her guilty of rules violations and barred her from all future exams and selections.

The UPSC specified that Khedkar was given until 3:30 pm on July 30, 2024, to respond to a show cause notice in the interest of justice. She has since appealed the decision in the Delhi High Court. In a fresh status report filed by the Delhi Police, it was revealed that Khedkar submitted two disability certificates and one is suspected to be forged. Facing allegations of improperly securing OBC and disability quota benefits, Khedkar contended that UPSC lacks the authority to disqualify her.

UPSC argued that Khedkar acted as a 'mastermind' and suggested the necessity for custodial interrogation to understand the involvement of others in her actions. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)