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A bench comprising Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma directed Khedkar to cooperate in the probe
IAS probationer Puja Khedkar is accused of forging documents and falsifying facts to gain extra attempts in CSE 2022. (File Photo)
The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who faces allegations of cheating and unlawfully availing OBC and disability quota benefits to clear the civil services exam.
A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, while granting her relief, directed Khedkar to fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation.
Observing the nature of the case, the bench noted that Khedkar is neither a “drug lord, terrorist, nor murderer,” and remarked that she has already “lost everything.”
“What is the grave crime she has committed? She is not a drug lord or a terrorist. She has not committed 302 (murder). She is not an NDPS offender. You should have a system or a software. You complete the investigation. She has lost everything and will not get a job anywhere,” the bench observed orally.
“Bearing in mind the facts and circumstances of the case, this is a fit case where the Delhi High Court ought to have granted bail to the petitioner,” the bench noted.
The counsel for the Delhi Police vehemently opposed grant of anticipatory bail to Khedkar, saying she was not cooperating in the probe and allegations against her were serious.
Khedkar is accused of misrepresenting information in her application for the 2022 UPSC civil services examination for availing reservation benefits. She has refuted all the allegations against her.
The UPSC initiated a series of actions against Khedkar, including lodging of a criminal case, for availing attempts in the civil services exam by faking her identity. Delhi Police also filed an FIR against her for various offences.
Who Is Puja Khedkar?
Pooja Khedkar, a 2022-batch IAS officer from Maharashtra, was discharged from service by the central government in August 2024 following a series of serious allegations. The controversy began during her probationary posting in Pune, where she reportedly misused her authority by using a private Audi car with a VIP number plate, red beacon, and a ‘Maharashtra Government’ label—despite being unauthorized to do so. She also allegedly made unreasonable demands for special privileges, including a separate chamber with an attached bathroom and additional support staff.
More troubling were accusations that she submitted forged documents to qualify for the UPSC examination. These included fake OBC and disability certificates, even though her father, Dilip Khedkar—a former government official—had declared assets worth Rs 40 crore while contesting elections, exceeding the income limit for the OBC ‘creamy layer’ category. She also failed to appear for a disability verification at AIIMS Delhi, citing illness.
Concerns about her conduct were formally raised by Pune Collector Suhas Diwase, who reported the matter to the state’s chief secretary. Based on the recommendation, she was transferred to Washim to complete her probation. However, a detailed inquiry followed, and citing administrative concerns and misuse of rules, the central government eventually terminated her IAS appointment.
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