In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Kumari Sharda, who was arrested for attempting to impersonate her sister during the Central Teacher Eligibility Test (CTET). The woman had tried to appear for the examination in place of her elder sister, a serious offense that has attracted legal action under the Indian Penal Code.
The CTET, conducted twice a year by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), is a crucial examination for the appointment of teachers in Central government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVS) and Navodaya Vidyalayas (NVS). The test is mandatory for individuals seeking teaching positions in these prestigious institutions.
A bench comprising Justices Sandeep Mehta and Prasanna B. Varale rejected Sharda’s plea for pre-arrest bail, citing the need for custodial interrogation in the case. The bench stated that Sharda’s surrender to the police was necessary to facilitate an effective investigation into the matter.
Sharda, a resident of Bahadurpur village in Darbhanga district, Bihar, was caught at the examination center when her biometric data and Aadhaar details did not match those of the real examinee. According to the prosecution, Sharda confessed her involvement in the cheating attempt when confronted by the authorities at the examination venue.
Her actions were promptly reported to the police, leading to charges of impersonation and cheating under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including offenses listed in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The trial court in Samastipur and the Patna High Court had previously dismissed her anticipatory bail plea on April 23, further strengthening the legal proceedings against her.
