UPSC Cheating Case : Complete Investigation Against Ex-IAS Officer Puja Khedkar Steadfastly, Supreme Court Tells Delhi Police
- NITU KUMARI
- 19 Mar 2025
SLP(Crl) No. 357 OF 2025
PUJA MANORMA DILIP KHEDKAR … Petitioner
Versus
STATE OF NCT OF DELHI … Respondent
Date of Judgment: January 15, 2025
Presiding Judges:
Background of the Case
Puja Khedkar was selected for the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and assigned to the Maharashtra Cadre after clearing the 2022 Civil Services Examination (CSE). Initially, she wrote her name as “Khedkar Puja Deelip Rao” and claimed Other Backward Class (OBC) status in most of her attempts, except in CSE-2013, where she applied under the General category.
In 2018, she declared herself as a candidate for the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category, specifically under the vision impairment subcategory, while also claiming OBC non-creamy layer status. Allegations arose regarding fraudulent claims in her UPSC applications, leading to the registration of an FIR on July 19, 2024.
According to UPSC, Puja Khedkar circumvented scrutiny over her excessive exam attempts by exploiting eligibility criteria. The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions (DoPT) issued a show-cause notice questioning her refusal to be released from service under the IAS Probation Rules, 1954.
On July 31, 2024, UPSC issued a press release stating that her provisional candidature for CSE-2022 was revoked, and she was permanently barred from appearing for future UPSC exams.
After her arrest, she sought anticipatory bail from the District and Sessions Judge at Patiala House, which was denied on August 8, 2024. Following this, she approached the Delhi High Court, which also denied her bail plea.
Case Analysis & Decision
The Delhi High Court rejected Puja Khedkar’s bail plea on Monday, stating that the case represents fraud against both a constitutional body and society.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh ruled that “interrogation is necessary to uncover the full extent of the fraud committed against the nation.”
The court highlighted that Puja Khedkar misused government schemes by forging documents to secure benefits meant for underprivileged sections of society. The judgment noted that:
- The investigation revealed that she was not eligible for the benefits she claimed.
- Luxury cars and multiple properties in her name indicated an attempt to misuse reservation policies.
- Her family held a prominent position in the state, suggesting possible collusion with influential individuals.
The court cited the Supreme Court’s ruling in CBI v. Anil Sharma to justify her interrogation, arguing that her actions were part of a broader scheme to manipulate the system.
Thus, her bail request was denied, and her interim protection from arrest was revoked.
Conclusion
On January 15, 2025, the Supreme Court of India granted temporary protection from arrest to Puja Khedkar and sought responses from the Delhi government and UPSC regarding her anticipatory bail plea.
Her legal counsel argued that the Delhi High Court had made harsh observations against her while rejecting her petition.
Puja Khedkar has denied all allegations of misrepresentation and fraud. However, the case underscores serious concerns regarding the misuse of reservation benefits in competitive examinations.
