Delhi HC extends interim protection from arrest to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar

The Delhi Police lawyer requested the court for a short stay, saying “a larger conspiracy has come to light” involving forgery and creation of documents.

“On the request of counsel for the applicant, the list on October 4. Interim order to proceed,” Justice Singh said.

Khedkar is accused of providing false information in her application for the 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination to get reservation benefits.

She denies all allegations.

Khedkar’s lawyer on Thursday sought more time from the court to respond to the UPSC’s allegation that she committed perjury by making a false statement in connection with her anticipatory bail application.

She said her “exclusion” was due to a sexual harassment complaint she filed against an officer and objected to the media attention the case received.

No press conferences were to be held by any party, the lawyer demanded.

While the Delhi Police counsel said the investigating agency “never faces any pressure from the media”, the UPSC senior counsel said Khekdar “has become a celebrity through her own actions”.

Both the UPSC and the Delhi Police have sought rejection of her pre-arrest bail plea.

The Supreme Court had granted Khedkar interim protection from arrest and on August 12, issued notice of her anticipatory bail application. This protection has been extended from time to time.

Delhi Police has alleged that any concession to Khedkar would hamper the investigation into the “deep-rooted conspiracy” and that the case has further implications for public trust and the integrity of the civil service investigation.

The UPSC has previously stated that Khedkar committed fraud against the Commission and the public, and that her interrogation in custody was necessary to unearth the “scale of fraud”. This fraud would not have taken place without the help of other persons.

The UPSC had initiated a series of actions against Khedkar in July, including filing a criminal case against her for forging her identity in her attempts to appear for the civil services examination.

The Delhi Police have registered an FIR under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Information Technology Act and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.