Delhi HC Grants Interim Relief to Accused Former IAS Probationer

The Delhi High Court on Monday granted interim protection from arrest till August 21 to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who has been accused of cheating and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits.

Justice Subramonium Prasad issued notice to the Delhi Police as well as the UPSC on the anticipatory bail plea by Khedkar, and asked them to file their responses.

In his order, Justice Prasad said that in the facts of the present case, the petitioner should not be arrested until the next date of hearing. The court has listed the case for further hearing on August 21.

Khedkar allegedly misrepresented information in her application for the UPSC Civil Services Examination, 2022 to get reservation benefits. On July 31, the UPSC cancelled Khedkar's candidature and debarred her from future exams.

On August 1, a sessions court here had denied anticipatory bail to her and said there are serious allegations against her, which require a thorough investigation. Khedkar had approached the sessions court, saying she faces immediate threat of arrest.

(With inputs from agencies.)