The Supreme Court on Wednesday granted anticipatory bail to former IAS trainee officer Puja Khedkar, who stands accused of forging documents to secure benefits under the OBC and disability quotas for the 2022 UPSC examination.
A bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma observed that the nature of the offence, while serious, did not justify custodial interrogation at this stage.
“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. She has not committed 376 offence (rape),” the bench remarked during the hearing.
Conditions Of Bail
Granting anticipatory bail, the Court directed that in case of arrest, Khedkar should be released on furnishing a cash surety of ₹35,000 along with two additional sureties.
The order further stated, “She shall extend complete cooperation in the ensuing investigation and shall not misuse her liberty, and shall not in any way influence the witnesses or tamper with the material on records.”
The Court made it clear that any violation of these conditions would entitle the authorities to seek cancellation of her bail.
Allegations & Background
Khedkar is facing criminal charges filed by the Delhi Police, including cheating and forgery. She is accused of fraudulently securing selection in the UPSC examination by wrongly claiming eligibility under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) categories.
The case attracted national attention due to the gravity of the allegations and Khedkar’s influential background. Her parents are reportedly senior government officials, leading to speculation about possible misuse of power or influence.
Delhi High Court’s Earlier Stance
Prior to approaching the Supreme Court, Khedkar’s plea for anticipatory bail was rejected by the Delhi High Court. The High Court had issued strong observations, terming it a “classic example of fraud, not only with a constitutional body but also with society and the nation as a whole.”
The court further stressed the need for custodial interrogation to expose the full extent of the conspiracy, noting the high-ranking positions held by her parents as a factor warranting further scrutiny.
Supreme Court’s Interim Protection
Earlier in January, the apex court had granted Khedkar interim protection from arrest and directed her to cooperate with the investigation. The latest ruling now formally grants her anticipatory bail, subject to strict conditions.
While Khedkar has secured temporary relief, the criminal investigation against her remains active. The Supreme Court’s order makes clear that any attempt to interfere with witnesses or evidence could lead to the cancellation of her bail.
This case raises broader concerns about integrity in public service recruitment and the misuse of reservation benefits, with the investigation now tasked with uncovering the full truth behind the allegations.
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