Pune: The Delhi High Court has denied anticipatory bail to controversial and dismissed trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, who is accused of fraud in connection with her UPSC selection.

This decision marks a major setback for Khedkar, who had approached the court against a trial court order. With the High Court's ruling, Khedkar now faces the possibility of arrest at any time.

During the hearing, the court made strong observations, labeling Khedkar’s actions as a “fraud not only against the UPSC but against society as a whole.” The case stems from a complaint filed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), which alleged irregularities in Khedkar’s selection process.

Serious Allegations Against Khedkar

The allegations against Puja Khedkar include cheating during the UPSC examination and misusing the benefits of OBC and disability quotas. The Delhi Police registered a case against her following the UPSC's complaint.

She has been accused of presenting a fraudulent disability certificate to secure special concessions and facilitate her selection in the civil services examination.

The High Court’s decision to reject Khedkar’s anticipatory bail application comes amidst ongoing investigations into the allegations. Authorities are now likely to proceed with her arrest.

The case has sparked a wider debate about integrity in the civil services and the misuse of reservation and special quota provisions. The court's remarks underscore the seriousness of such offenses and their broader implications for public trust in recruitment processes.