Former IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar Challenges UPSC’s Authority in Disqualification Case

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 29th August. Former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, accused of fraudulently securing OBC and disability quota benefits, has contested the Union Public Service Commission’s (UPSC) authority to disqualify her. In a response filed before the Delhi High Court, Khedkar argued that the UPSC lacks the power to cancel her candidature once she was appointed as a Probationary Officer, asserting that only the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) can take such action.

Last month, the UPSC cancelled Khedkar’s candidature and barred her from future exams, alleging that she misrepresented information in her application for the 2022 Civil Services Examination to gain reservation benefits. The UPSC also accused Khedkar of exceeding the permitted number of attempts by altering her name and her parents’ names, which it claimed concealed her eligibility violations.

Khedkar refuted these allegations, stating that her name had not changed between 2012 and 2022 and that she had provided accurate information. She emphasized that her identity was verified through biometric data and that her documents, including her Aadhaar card and educational certificates, were found to be correct.

Khedkar also cited a medical examination conducted by a board at AIIMS, which confirmed her disability as 47%, qualifying her for the Person with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) category under DoPT regulations.

In opposition to Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, the UPSC described her actions as a “fraud” against both the commission and the public. The UPSC argued that her custodial interrogation is necessary to uncover the extent of the alleged fraud, which it claims involved other individuals. The Delhi Police has also requested the dismissal of her pre-arrest bail, citing concerns that it would hinder the investigation into what it describes as a “deep-rooted conspiracy” with significant implications for public trust and the integrity of the civil services examination.

The Delhi High Court is set to hear Khedkar’s petition today.