UPSC can't disqualify me: Khedkar refutes fraud charges
Puja Khedkar, a former Indian Administrative Services (IAS) trainee officer, has challenged her disqualification by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). She was removed from her position on allegations of power misuse. In her defense submitted to the Delhi High Court, Khedkar argued that once appointed as a probationer, the UPSC loses its authority to disqualify her.
Why does this story matter?
Khedkar, a 2022 batch officer, first gained attention when she was accused of misusing her power by using a red siren, VIP number plates, and a "Government of Maharashtra" sticker on her private Audi while still on probation. Following these allegations, she was transferred from Pune to Washim as a supernumerary assistant collector. Subsequently, the UPSC annulled her provisional candidature and barred her from future exams conducted by the commission.
Khedkar argues DoPT has sole authority to take action
Khedkar contends that only the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has the authority to take action under the All India services Act, 1954, and Probationer Rules as per Rule 19 of the CSE 2022 Rules. On July 31, the UPSC disqualified Khedkar's candidature for alleged power misuse and violation of Civil Services Exam (CSE) rules.
Khedkar refutes charges of identity manipulation
Khedkar has denied the UPSC's allegations of identity falsification. She stated, "There has been no change in the applicant's first name and surname, from 2012 to 2022, as consistently reflected in all DAFs." She further emphasized that her identity was verified by UPSC through biometric data collected during personality tests conducted in 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Khedkar's anticipatory bail plea deferred by Delhi HC
The Delhi High Court has extended interim protection from arrest for Khedkar until Thursday (August 29). Justice Subramonium Prasad deferred the hearing on her anticipatory bail plea to the same date due to a pending reply from Delhi Police. Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, representing Khedkar, also sought additional time to review UPSC's response opposing the anticipatory bail plea.
