New Delhi, May 22, 2025 – The Supreme Court has granted anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who faces allegations of using forged OBC and disability certificates to qualify for the 2022 Civil Services Examination. The court questioned the severity of the charges, with Justice B.V. Nagarathna remarking, She has not committed a murder… she is not a drug lord or a terrorist.
The bench, comprising Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma, set aside the Delhi High Court’s earlier denial of bail, noting that Khedkar had cooperated with the investigation by submitting over 70 documents and appearing before the Delhi Crime Branch multiple times . The Supreme Court directed that in the event of her arrest, she should be released on bail upon furnishing a cash security of ₹25,000 with two sureties.
Khedkar’s father, Dilip Khedkar, asserted that the UPSC’s complaint was legally flawed and influenced by political pressure. Puja Khedkar has also challenged the cancellation of her provisional candidature before the Central Administrative Tribunal, with a hearing expected by the end of the month .
While the anticipatory bail provides temporary relief, the investigation into the alleged misuse of reservation benefits continues. The Supreme Court emphasized that Khedkar must not misuse her liberty and should not influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.
