The Delhi High Court grants temporary relief from arrest to trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar till August 21. The court has also sought a response from the Delhi Police and the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), questioning the necessity of her custody for further investigation into the alleged conspiracy.
Justice Subramonium Prasad noted that at this stage, it does not appear that Khedkar’s “immediate custody” is essential. “As of now, it does not seem to be at the moment that her immediate custody is required. Here when I saw the orders, the trial court was boggled from the offence which was committed but not as to why bail should or should not be granted,” he said.
“In the facts of the present case, this court is of the opinion that the petitioner need not be arrested till the next date of hearing (August 21),” the court further stated.
Why is Puja Khedkar under controversy?
Puja Khedkar is under investigation for allegedly committing fraud during the Civil Services Examination (CSE) by exceeding the permissible number of attempts through identity falsification.
As a result, The UPSC lodged an FIR against Khedkar and she has been permanently barred from all future exams and selections.
In addition to the controversy over her suspected exam fraud, Puja Khedkar encountered further criticism during her probationary training at a Pune center. It is reported that, while training as an IAS officer, she allegedly misused her position by requesting benefits and amenities not allocated to probationers.
Previously, the Patiala House Court in Delhi had taken the allegations seriously, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into her alleged misconduct related to obtaining additional attempts by fraudulent means.
The trial court judge highlighted the need for custodial interrogation to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy and identify any other individuals involved.
Khedkar approached the High Court after her request for anticipatory bail was rejected by the district court.
