Delhi High Court Extends Interim Protection for Former IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar
Delhi, Sep 26, 2024 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Thursday extended interim protection from arrest for former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar until October 4. Khedkar faces criminal charges for allegedly cheating and improperly availing OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination.
Justice Chandra Dhari Singh deferred the hearing on Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea at the request of her lawyer, who sought additional time to respond to allegations from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) that Khedkar committed perjury by providing false statements.
Counsel for the Delhi Police urged a short adjournment, highlighting a "larger conspiracy" involving forgery and document creation. The court granted the adjournment and extended the interim order.
Khedkar, who maintains her innocence, argues that her removal from the IAS resulted from a sexual harassment complaint she filed against an officer. She has also objected to the media’s involvement in the case, calling for no press conferences by any party.
The Delhi Police and UPSC have both petitioned for the dismissal of her anticipatory bail plea. They claim that Khedkar’s actions have significant public trust implications and necessitate her custodial interrogation to fully uncover the fraud’s extent.
The Delhi Police registered an FIR under various provisions, including the Indian Penal Code, Information Technology Act, and Right of Persons with Disabilities Act. The UPSC had initiated actions against Khedkar in July, alleging that she had committed fraud in the civil services examination by falsifying her identity.
Published: September 26, 2024, 12:31 PM IST
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/delhi-high-court-extends-interim-protection-from-arrest-for-puja-khedkar/article68685054.ece
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