Delhi, August 12, 2024 – In a significant legal development, former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar has approached the Delhi High Court seeking anticipatory bail amidst allegations of manipulation and misconduct. The case, which has garnered widespread attention, is being heard by a bench led by Justice Subramanium Prasad.
The legal battle has seen prominent lawyers on both sides, with Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra representing Khedkar and Naresh Kaushik advocating on behalf of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The court’s current deliberations are focused on the necessity of custodial interrogation in this case.
The controversy surrounding Khedkar’s case stems from allegations that she manipulated her way into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Naresh Kaushik, representing the UPSC, has argued that Khedkar’s actions demonstrate a manipulative nature that justifies the need for her custodial interrogation. He emphasized that the integrity of the IAS selection process must be upheld, and any attempts to undermine it should be thoroughly investigated.
Kaushik’s arguments have been met with a strong defense from Siddharth Luthra, who has contended that Khedkar has cooperated fully with the investigation and that custodial interrogation is unnecessary. Luthra argued that his client has no prior criminal record and poses no flight risk, making anticipatory bail a reasonable request. He further stated that the allegations against Khedkar are unsubstantiated and that she is being unfairly targeted.
The case has raised important questions about the integrity of the IAS selection process and the measures in place to prevent any manipulation. The UPSC, as the central authority responsible for conducting the Civil Services Examination, has a vested interest in ensuring that the selection process remains transparent and free from any form of malpractice.
The court is carefully weighing the arguments presented by both sides, particularly the necessity of custodial interrogation. Justice Subramanium Prasad has emphasized the importance of a fair and just legal process, ensuring that both parties are given an opportunity to present their case comprehensively.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the IAS and the broader civil services community. If the court grants Khedkar’s request for anticipatory bail, it could set a precedent for similar cases in the future. Conversely, if the court determines that custodial interrogation is necessary, it could signal a more stringent approach to allegations of manipulation within the civil services.
As the case unfolds, all eyes remain on the Delhi High Court, with the legal fraternity and the public keenly awaiting the final judgment.