Patiala House Court Reserves Decision On Pooja Khedkar’s Anticipatory Bail Plea In UPSC Fraud Case

The Patiala House Court has reserved its decision on the anticipatory bail plea filed by Pooja Khedkar. The court will pronounce the decision on August 1 at 4 PM. During the hearing, Pooja’s lawyer requested interim relief, citing an FIR filed under sections 420, 464, 465, along with the IT Act and RPWD Act. ASJ Devendra Kumar Jangla’s court is handling the anticipatory bail plea.

Pooja’s lawyer argued that the complaint, filed by UPSC, alleges forgery and fraud. He asserted that Pooja falls under the Probationary Officer Rules, granting her certain rights, and presented her disability certificate, validated by eight doctors from AIIMS, showing a 47 percent permanent benchmark disability.

Pooja’s lawyer plead not guilty

The lawyer contended that the fraud allegations are unfounded, as the provisions cited against Pooja do not apply. He emphasized that the UPSC rules should govern the investigation into Pooja’s disclosure of her number of attempts, which she reported as five instead of twelve. According to the lawyer, the term “guilty” used against Pooja is premature since she has only received a show-cause notice from UPSC on July 18.

Madhavan, Pooja’s lawyer, referenced a decision equating disabled individuals to backward classes, thereby entitling them to the same benefits. He mentioned that Delhi Police intends to interrogate Pooja in custody and urged the court to allow her to defend herself, noting that she has received notices from multiple authorities, including IAS Academy Mussoorie, Pune Commissioner, and DOPT.

Madhavan clarified that the only allegation against Pooja involves her statement about the number of attempts, which she reported as five instead of twelve. He argued that the investigation should determine if her intentions were appropriate. The court questioned UPSC’s oversight, highlighting that no one can appear in the main exam without passing the prelims.

The Delhi Police Crime Branch filed an FIR against Pooja Khedkar based on the UPSC’s complaint, alleging forgery, cheating, and violations of the IT and Disability Acts.

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