The Supreme Court grants anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar in the UPSC cheating case involving allegations of OBC and disability quota misuse. Read the detailed timeline and court observations here.

Supreme Court Grants Anticipatory Bail to Puja Khedkar in UPSC Cheating Case

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar in connection with the high-profile UPSC cheating case. The allegations include misusing OBC reservation and disability quota benefits during the 2022 civil services examination.

Supreme Court Defends Bail: “She Is Not a Terrorist or Drug Lord”

During the hearing, a bench comprising Justices B. V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma highlighted that Khedkar is not accused of any violent crimes such as murder (Section 302 IPC) or offenses under the NDPS Act. The court emphasized, “She has lost everything and will not get a job anywhere,” suggesting that the punishment has, in many ways, already been delivered.

Delhi Police Opposes Bail, Citing Non-Cooperation

Despite the bail grant, the Delhi Police opposed the move, arguing that Khedkar was not cooperating with the investigation and that the charges were of a serious nature. However, the Supreme Court concluded that the Delhi High Court should have granted her bail earlier, considering the facts of the case.

Allegations Against Puja Khedkar: Forgery and Quota Fraud

Khedkar allegedly submitted false documents to avail herself of reservation benefits in the 2022 UPSC exam. A written complaint by the Union Public Service Commission in July 2024 led to formal charges of cheating, forgery, and violations under the IT Act and the Disability Act. Khedkar has denied all allegations made against her.

Supreme Court’s Conditions and Crime Branch Interrogation

On April 21, the Supreme Court directed Khedkar to appear before the Crime Branch on May 2 for questioning. The bench also instructed law enforcement to refrain from any coercive action. During her appearance at the Kamla Market office, she was interrogated for over eight hours, during which she answered several rounds of questioning and was asked to produce specific documents.

Investigation Focus: Fake Disability Certificates

According to Additional Solicitor General S. V. Raju, the investigation aims to uncover the network of individuals who may have assisted Khedkar in acquiring fake disability certificates. Authorities believe that custodial interrogation could help reveal further leads in the quota misuse scam.

Conclusion: A Case That Raises Questions About Reservation Misuse

The anticipatory bail granted to Puja Khedkar marks a critical moment in the ongoing investigation into alleged misuse of the reservation system in India. While the courts have offered her interim relief, the case continues to spotlight the need for stricter verification and systemic checks in competitive examinations like the UPSC Civil Services Exam.