Delhi HC Grants Interim Protection from Arrest to Puja Khedkar Till August 21

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has provided interim protection from arrest to ex-trainee IAS Puja Khedkar, accused of identity fraud linked to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) civil services examination.

The court’s decision was made in response to Khedkar’s plea challenging a district court’s denial of her anticipatory bail application.

During the hearing, the High Court observed that there was no immediate necessity for Khedkar’s custody. “Currently, there seems to be no immediate requirement for her custody,” the court noted. The High Court indicated that, based on the case facts, Khedkar should not be arrested until the next hearing scheduled for August 21.

Khedkar faces allegations from the UPSC for allegedly falsifying her identity to get additional attempts in the civil services examination. Following the FIR, Khedkar’s request for anticipatory bail was rejected by the district court, prompting her to appeal to the High Court.

Amidst the controversy, Khedkar has been accused of misrepresenting her disability and Other Backward Class status to gain extra advantages.

A report from Pune District Collector Suhas Diwase highlighted that Khedkar requested various perks, including a government vehicle, cabin, and residence, during her interactions with the Pune Collector’s office.