The Supreme Court has directed the Delhi Police to complete its investigation swiftly in the case involving ex-IAS probationary officer Puja Khedkar. She is accused of submitting fake OBC and PwD certificates in the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination.
While extending Khedkar’s interim protection from arrest, the Court questioned the delay in the investigation, especially when Khedkar has expressed her willingness to cooperate via an affidavit.
A bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma was hearing Khedkar’s anticipatory bail plea. The Court had previously granted her interim protection in January.
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Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the Delhi Police, argued that custodial interrogation was necessary to probe a larger scam involving fake UPSC documents. He pointed out that Khedkar had allegedly exceeded her permitted nine attempts by forging documents and changing names.
“We have found that this is a scam which may involve persons issuing fake certificates. We want to investigate whether hers is an isolated case or if more candidates are involved,” Raju submitted.
Justice Satish Chandra Sharma questioned the necessity of custodial interrogation over regular questioning, emphasizing that Khedkar was not the key figure in issuing fraudulent certificates.
Khedkar’s counsel argued that she was diagnosed with a low-vision disability in 2018, entitling her to nine attempts under the PwD category. Since her eligibility for disability benefits began in 2018, her previous attempts should not count against her total.
“Since 2012, I had been attempting the UPSC examination. In 2018, I was found eligible for 40% disability, which gives me the right to nine attempts,” her counsel stated.
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However, the Court firmly responded:
“There cannot be a different number of attempts for abled and disabled candidates. The total number of attempts has to be consistent,” remarked Justices Nagarathna and Sharma in unison.
Justice Nagarathna emphasized the need to uncover the source of Khedkar’s allegedly forged certificates but stated that keeping her in custody might not be necessary for this purpose.
The Court instructed Delhi Police to pursue the investigation without delays, with Justice Nagarathna directing Raju:
“You must track up this investigation steadfastly.”
The Court has scheduled the next hearing for April 15, where further developments in the case are expected.
Case Details: PUJA MANORAMA DILIP KHEDKAR Vs STATE OF NCT OF DELHI | SLP(Crl) No. 357/2025
