Draft | Delhi HC Issues Notice To IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar In UPSC’s Plea To Intiate Perjury Proceedings
On July 31, the UPSC officially cancelled Puja Khedkar’s candidature and barred her from future examinations. Khedkar was accused of providing false information on her application for the CSE 2022 and of fraudulently benefiting from OBC and disability quotas. On August 1, a trial court also rejected her anticipatory bail, stating that the seriousness of the charges warranted a thorough investigation.
The Delhi High Court, on Thursday, issued notice to IAS trainee Puja Khedkar in a petition filed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) requesting the initiation of perjury proceedings against her.
The bench of Justice Jyoti Singh noted allegations by UPSC that Khedkar had falsely claimed ignorance of her candidature cancellation, which was communicated to her via email. The court scheduled a hearing for November 26.
Senior Advocate Naresh Kaushik, representing the UPSC, urged the court to conduct a formal inquiry and initiate proceedings against Khedkar for committing perjury. Khedkar had previously challenged the UPSC’s press release, claiming that the cancellation of her candidature was not communicated to her and that she became aware of it only through the press release.
Senior Advocate Kaushik maintained that the cancellation of Khedkar's candidature, communicated on July 31, was sent to her registered email address on the same day. This email address was the one she had used in her application for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. Despite this, Khedkar reportedly claimed in court that she had not received any formal communication and only learned of the decision through a press release issued by the UPSC.
Senior Advocate Kaushik argued that Khedkar had knowingly misled her legal representatives and falsely testified under oath, despite being aware of the truth. It was further contended that her affidavit dated July 28, 2024, could not have referred to the July 31 cancellation order as it was not yet issued.
Background:
Khedkar was an IAS trainee accused of “misrepresenting information” in her application for the UPSC (Union Public Services Commission) Civil Services Examination, 2022. She was accused of misusing quotas under OBC and PwD (Persons with Disabilities) to clear the examination, as well as changing her and her parents’ names on official documents so as to gain more attempts at the exam. An FIR as well as a show cause notice to cancel her selection were filed against her.
Initially, she had applied for anticipatory bail in the Patiala House district court. However, the court reserved its judgment on this plea, after hearing the submissions of both parties. The verdict was to be pronounced on August 1, 2024. However, the trial court then rejected her bail plea, following which she approached the Delhi High Court.
The bench comprising Justice Subramoniam Prasad deferred the plea to August 29, due to the absence of a response from the Delhi Police. Senior Advocate Sidharth Luthra also requested additional time to review the UPSC’s response, which opposed her plea.
The court had at the time noted the lack of a substantial discussion in the trial court’s order, directing the police to not arrest Khedkar till the next date of hearing. On August 29, Khedkar’s protection was extended till September 5, 2024.
Inputs: Economic Times