Former IAS Trainee Puja Khedkar Challenges UPSC Allegations in Delhi High Court

Reported by Tikam Shekhawat

New Delhi/Pune, 28th August 2024: Puja Khedkar, a former IAS trainee, has challenged the allegations made against her by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) in the Delhi High Court. Khedkar contends that the UPSC lacks the authority to disqualify her, as she has already been selected and appointed as a probationer. She argues that only the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has the jurisdiction to take such actions.

Khedkar firmly denies all allegations, stating that her first name and surname have remained consistent from 2012 to 2022. She claims that the UPSC itself verified her identity through biometric data, confirming the authenticity of her documents.

Addressing the accusations of document forgery, Khedkar asserts that all her records, including academic certificates, Aadhaar card, date of birth, and other personal information, have been consistently accurate as presented in the Detailed Application Form (DAF).

Regarding her disability certificate, Khedkar emphasized that all necessary verifications were conducted, and she underwent a medical examination by a board constituted by AIIMS, as required by the DoPT. The Medical Board determined her disability to be 47%, well above the 40% threshold required for the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category.

The case has drawn significant attention, as Khedkar seeks to clear her name and continue her career in public service. The Delhi High Court is expected to review the arguments and make a ruling on the matter in due course.