New Delhi: Former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, accused of cheating to secure OBC and disability quota benefits, has told the Delhi High Court that the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) lacks the authority to disqualify her. The UPSC had cancelled Khedkar’s candidature last month, citing misrepresentation of information in her UPSC Civil Services Examination 2022 application to obtain reservation benefits.

Khedkar argued that once selected and appointed as a probationary officer, only the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) can take action against her. In her response to the UPSC’s charges, Khedkar also sought anticipatory bail in the criminal case against her.

The UPSC alleged that Khedkar took the qualifying exam more than the six times permitted for a general category candidate by changing her and her parents’ names, making it difficult for the Commission to detect the violation. Khedkar, however, denied these allegations, asserting that her name and personal details remained consistent from 2012 to 2022, and her identity was verified through biometric data by the UPSC.

Khedkar also stated that all necessary verifications were conducted by the DoPT, including a medical examination by a board constituted by AIIMS, which confirmed her eligibility for the PwBD (Person with Benchmark Disability) category with a 47% disability.

The UPSC opposed Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea, arguing that her actions constitute fraud against both the Commission and the public. It emphasized the need for her custodial interrogation to uncover the full extent of the alleged fraud, which may involve other individuals. The Delhi Police supported the UPSC’s stance, highlighting the broader implications for public trust and the integrity of the civil services examination.

The Delhi High Court extended Khedkar’s interim protection from arrest and scheduled the case for further hearing on September 5.