The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has committed to delivering the order that cancels the candidature of former probationary Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Puja Khedkar within two days, as reported during a session at the Delhi High Court. Justice Jyoti Singh noted the UPSC’s commitment and consequently disposed of Khedkar’s plea, which challenged a press release by the UPSC announcing the dismissal of her candidature.
In her ruling, Justice Singh clarified that the court has not delved into the merits of Khedkar’s case and emphasized that the dismissal of this particular petition does not prevent further adjudication by appropriate forums. She advised Khedkar to submit her address to the UPSC to facilitate the physical and electronic delivery of the cancellation order.
For further grievances regarding the cancellation, Justice Singh directed Khedkar to approach the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT).
During the proceedings, Khedkar’s attorney, senior advocate Indira Jaising, argued that her client was not formally notified of the cancellation, only learning of it through a UPSC press release. In response to the court’s inquiry about why the CAT had not been approached, Khedkar’s legal team explained that the absence of an official order had led them to contest the press release in the high court instead.
Representing the UPSC, senior advocate Naresh Kaushik assured the court that the order would be sent to Khedkar’s email and last known physical address within the stipulated timeframe.
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The background of this legal battle includes serious allegations against Khedkar, who is accused of misrepresenting information on her 2022 UPSC Civil Services Examination application and improperly availing of benefits under the OBC and disability quotas. Following the cancellation of her candidature on July 31, a trial court denied her anticipatory bail on August 1, citing the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough investigation.
