Delhi High Court Extends Protection for Suspended IAS Officer Puja Khedkar
The Delhi High Court has extended the interim protection from arrest for suspended IAS officer Puja Khedkar until the next hearing date on September 5, 2024. Justice Subramonium Prasad deferred the hearing on Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea to allow the Delhi Police time to review her rejoinder and file a fresh status report.
Puja Khedkar is facing allegations of cheating and improperly securing OBC and disability quota benefits. She argued that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) lacks the authority to disqualify her. The court had previously issued notices to the Delhi Police and UPSC regarding her anticipatory bail plea and instructed the investigation agency not to arrest her while the matter is under consideration.
The trial court had denied Khedkar’s bail, citing the need for custodial interrogation to uncover the full conspiracy and the involvement of others. The court noted that Khedkar has been charged with offenses under various sections of the IPC, IT Act, and Rights of Persons with Disability Act. The court emphasized the need for the UPSC to maintain transparency and fairness in its procedures and suggested that the investigation should be widened to identify other candidates who may have similarly breached the system.
Recently, the Delhi High Court granted Puja Khedkar the liberty to approach the appropriate forum to challenge the cancellation of her candidature.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a big court in Delhi, India, where important legal cases are decided.
IAS Officer -: An IAS Officer is a person who works for the Indian government in a very important job, helping to run the country.
Puja Khedkar -: Puja Khedkar is the name of the IAS officer who is in trouble and being protected by the court.
Interim protection -: Interim protection means temporary safety from being arrested until the court makes a final decision.
OBC quota -: OBC quota is a special reservation in jobs and education for people from Other Backward Classes, who need extra help.
Disability quota -: Disability quota is a special reservation for people with disabilities to help them get jobs and education.
Rejoinder -: A rejoinder is a reply or response to something, like a statement or report, in a legal case.
Status report -: A status report is a document that tells the current situation or progress of a case.
Bail -: Bail is money or a promise given to the court to let someone stay out of jail while their case is being decided.