The Supreme Court has allowed Puja Khedkar, a former IAS trainee, to get anticipatory bail. This means if the police arrest her during their investigation, she must be released after paying a surety of Rs 35,000.
Puja Khedkar became known last year because she was accused of lying about having physical disabilities, changing her last name, and using a fake certificate to get special benefits in the civil services exam.
The court warned her not to disturb the investigation, such as by influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence.
Earlier, the Delhi High Court had refused to give her bail, saying she tried to deceive and was part of a bigger plan. But the Supreme Court disagreed with that and said she had been cooperating with the police. Justice BV Nagarathana even said, “She hasn’t committed murder or a drug offense. She will cooperate.”
This is the second time the Supreme Court has questioned the Delhi High Court’s decision. In January, the Supreme Court said this case was suitable for anticipatory bail because of the nature of the accusations.
So far, the Supreme Court had only given her temporary protection from arrest. That protection was extended in March after she promised to cooperate with the investigation.
What Was Puja Khedkar Accused Of?
She was accused of submitting fake documents to claim benefits meant for candidates from Other Backward Classes and those with physical disabilities. These benefits gave her extra chances to clear the IAS exam.
