Delhi High Court to Hear Puja Khedkar’s Bail Plea on August 12
The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing for August 12 regarding former IAS officer Puja Khedkar’s request for anticipatory bail. Khedkar is accused of faking her identity to gain extra attempts in the civil services examination.
Background
The case against Puja Khedkar involves allegations that she misrepresented her identity to receive more attempts than allowed in the civil services exams. Her initial plea for anticipatory bail was denied by the Patiala House Court, which deemed the allegations serious and requiring thorough investigation.
Details of the Case
Additional Sessions Judge Devender Kumar Jangala stated that custodial interrogation is necessary to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and identify other involved parties. The charges against Khedkar include offenses under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the IT Act, and the Rights of Persons with Disability Act.
The court noted that Khedkar’s actions involved cheating and misrepresentation, supported by falsified documents. The investigation also scrutinizes her OBC (non-creamy layer) status and claims of multiple benchmark disabilities.
Implications for UPSC
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), responsible for conducting the exams, has been urged to review its procedures to prevent such breaches in the future. The court emphasized the need for transparency and fairness in the examination process.
Next Steps
The Delhi High Court has allowed Khedkar to challenge the cancellation of her candidature. The UPSC has been directed to provide her with the cancellation order within two days.
Doubts Revealed
Delhi High Court -: The Delhi High Court is a big court in Delhi, India, where important legal cases are heard and decided.
Puja Khedkar -: Puja Khedkar is a person who used to be an IAS officer, which means she had a very important job working for the government.
Bail Plea -: A bail plea is when someone asks the court to let them stay out of jail while their case is being decided.
Anticipatory Bail -: Anticipatory bail is when someone asks the court to let them stay out of jail even before they are arrested, because they think they might be arrested soon.
IAS Officer -: An IAS officer is a person who works for the Indian government and helps make important decisions for the country.
Civil Services Exams -: These are very tough exams in India that people take to get important jobs in the government, like becoming an IAS officer.
Patiala House Court -: This is another court in Delhi where legal cases are heard and decided.
Transparency -: Transparency means being open and clear about how things are done, so everyone knows what is happening and there are no secrets.
UPSC -: UPSC stands for Union Public Service Commission. It is the organization that conducts exams for people who want to get important government jobs in India.
Candidature -: Candidature means being a candidate or a person who is trying to get a job or a position, like in an exam or an election.
