The Delhi High Court on Wednesday extended the interim protection from arrest for suspended trainee IAS officer Pooja Khedkar. This protection will remain in effect until August 29.
Pooja Khedkar is accused of falsifying information in her application to the Union Public Service Commission. The court previously instructed that she not be arrested while her case is under review, as immediate arrest was deemed unnecessary.
Justice Subramonium Prasad has postponed the hearing on Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea to August 29 due to the Delhi Police’s failure to file a response and the need for more time for Khedkar’s lawyers to review the UPSC’s opposition to the plea.
Previously, the Delhi High Court had issued notices to the Delhi Police and UPSC concerning Khedkar’s bail application. The court noted that the trial court’s denial of bail lacked detailed discussion and had only briefly mentioned the involvement of others.
UPSC contends that Khedkar is a central figure in the alleged scheme and argues that custodial interrogation is necessary. This follows the Patiala House Court’s dismissal of her previous bail plea, which highlighted serious allegations related to her falsification for extra attempts in the civil services exam.
The trial court had stated that custodial interrogation was needed to fully uncover the conspiracy and other involved parties. The court observed that Khedkar is charged under various sections of the IPC, IT Act, and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act for cheating and misrepresentation.
The court also noted that the UPSC’s scrutiny system failed to prevent the breach, calling for a review and strengthening of their procedures to ensure fairness and transparency. The investigating agency has been directed to widen its probe to include potential breaches and insider assistance.
The Delhi High Court has allowed Khedkar to challenge the cancellation of her candidature through appropriate legal channels.
