Puja Khedkar Refutes Fraud Charges: Challenges UPSC’s Authority to Disqualify Her

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Former IAS officer Puja Khedkar refutes fraud charges, claiming that the UPSC has no power to disqualify her post-selection. The Delhi High Court has extended her protection from arrest, while the UPSC insists on further investigation.
Puja Khedkar Refutes Fraud Charges Challenges UPSC's Authority to Disqualify Her

The ongoing legal tussle involving former IAS probationary officer Puja Khedkar has intensified, as the Delhi High Court recently extended her interim protection from arrest till September 5, 2024. This decision comes amidst serious allegations from the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) accusing Khedkar of fraudulently availing multiple attempts in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) by manipulating her identity details. As the controversy unfolds, the case has drawn significant public and legal scrutiny, highlighting critical questions about the integrity of the UPSC examination process and the measures needed to prevent fraudulent activities in the future.

Delhi High Court’s Recent Decision

On August 21, 2024, the Delhi High Court extended the interim protection granted to Puja Khedkar from arrest until September 5. Khedkar, who faces charges of cheating and misrepresenting her identity to secure additional attempts in the UPSC exams, had filed for pre-arrest bail. The court’s decision was a setback for the UPSC and Delhi Police, both of whom opposed her plea, arguing that custodial interrogation was essential to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy. The court’s extension provides temporary relief to Puja Khedkar, but the investigation continues, and her fate remains uncertain as further hearings loom.

The Allegations Against Puja Khedkar

Puja Khedkar, a former probationary officer of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), has been accused of multiple fraudulent actions to manipulate the highly competitive UPSC Civil Services Examination. According to UPSC’s charges, Puja Khedkar allegedly faked her identity to avail of extra attempts in the examination beyond the permissible limit, misused quotas designated for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and manipulated her personal details, including her name and surname, to evade detection by the commission.

The UPSC initiated a series of actions against Puja Khedkar in July 2024, including the cancellation of her candidature, debarment from future exams, and the registration of a criminal case against her. An FIR was lodged by the Delhi Police under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Information Technology Act, and Right of Persons with Disability Act. The UPSC’s stance is that the gravity of Puja Khedkar’s alleged fraud is “unprecedented” as it affects not only the commission but also the public trust in India’s examination and recruitment process.

ALSO READ: UPSC Cancels Puja Khedkar’s IAS Candidature: A Case of Identity Fraud Crisis

Khedkar’s Defense: Refuting the Allegations

In her response to the charges, Puja Khedkar has strongly denied any wrongdoing. She claims that the UPSC lacks the authority to disqualify her post-appointment as a probationary officer, arguing that any punitive action should be taken solely by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) of the Central Government. In her four-page reply to the Delhi High Court, Puja Khedkar contended that there has been no alteration in her first name or surname from 2012 to 2022 and that she never misrepresented her details to the commission.

Khedkar further stated that all her documents, including academic certificates, Aadhaar card, date of birth, and other personal information, have remained consistent throughout the process. She emphasized that these documents were issued by competent authorities and had undergone necessary verifications, including biometric checks conducted by the UPSC itself. According to Khedkar, the allegations are baseless, and she is entitled to pre-arrest bail as her custodial interrogation is not required.

UPSC’s Stand: The Need for Custodial Interrogation

The UPSC, however, remains firm in its position that Puja Khedkar’s actions constitute a significant fraud. In its affidavit submitted to the court, the commission argued that custodial interrogation is crucial to unravel the conspiracy behind her alleged fraudulent actions. The UPSC believes that such a scheme could not have been executed without assistance from others, necessitating an in-depth investigation to uncover the full extent of the fraud.

The commission contends that Puja Khedkar’s alleged fraud is not only an offense against the constitutional body but also an affront to the public at large. It asserts that the misuse of quotas and identity manipulation has potentially deprived eligible and qualified candidates of their rightful positions in the prestigious civil services.

The UPSC’s Move to Strengthen Verification Processes

In response to the controversy, the Central Government has permitted the UPSC to conduct Aadhaar-based authentication on a voluntary basis for all future examinations and recruitments. This decision comes as part of an effort to tighten identity verification measures and prevent fraudulent activities in the wake of the allegations against Khedkar.

The UPSC has also initiated plans to use advanced technologies, including facial recognition and artificial intelligence-based CCTV surveillance systems, to monitor examination centers and curb malpractices. By leveraging technology, the commission aims to ensure a fair and transparent examination process, reinforcing public trust in its credibility.

Impact of the Controversy on Future Candidates

The case has sparked widespread debate about the implications for future candidates and the credibility of the UPSC examination process. For many aspirants, the UPSC exams represent the pinnacle of competitive examinations in India, and any compromise in their fairness can have far-reaching consequences. The introduction of Aadhaar-based authentication and AI-based monitoring systems is seen as a positive step toward enhancing the security and integrity of the examination process.

However, some critics argue that the reliance on technology alone may not be sufficient to address the root causes of fraud and corruption. They emphasize the need for comprehensive policy reforms and strict enforcement of rules to deter fraudulent activities and maintain the sanctity of the examination system.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Puja Khedkar?

As the case continues, the next hearing scheduled for September 5, 2024, will be crucial in determining the course of action. For Puja Khedkar, the stakes are high, with her career and reputation on the line. The Delhi High Court’s decision will likely hinge on the evidence presented by both parties and the need to balance the protection of individual rights with the integrity of the examination system.

For the UPSC, the case represents a test of its ability to safeguard its examination process from fraud and uphold the values of fairness and transparency. The commission’s actions in the coming months will be closely watched by the public, policymakers, and future civil service aspirants alike.

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