Dr Puja Khedkar seeks anticipatory bail in Delhi court
New Delhi: Controversial probationary IAS officer Dr Puja Khedkar has moved an anticipatory bail application in the Patiala House Court. A hearing is underway on the application.
Khedkar has opposed her arrest by the police. She demanded an inquiry by the UPSC and not by the police. She has sought protection from police action being an IAS officer. She also submitted a 47 pc disability certificate issued by the AIIMS, New Delhi, in the court and claimed that she was recruited as per the rules.
Advocate Veena Madhavan argued on behalf of Khedkar in the court. She claimed that the High Court allowed her to take the UPSC civil services exam more than the regular attempts. The UPSC lodged a complaint against her for attempting the exam three times more than the limit.
On this, Additional Sessions Judge DK Jangala sought the High Court order. Replying to this, the UPSC lawyer said that there was no such decision by the High Court.
Her lawyer said, “The medical committee has stated that Puja Khedkar has multiple disabilities. She has a permanent benchmark disability of 47 pc. The AIIMS has also issued a certificate to that effect. Then how could it be cheating?”
She said, “The UPSC has used the word ‘guilty’. We have merely received a notice. Why was the UPSC in such a hurry to lodge a criminal case? I should have been given an opportunity to put forth my case. I am unable to file my say due to fear of a criminal case and arrest.”
She added: “I need anticipatory bail to present my side.”
Since Khedkar lodged a sexual harassment case, all this has been done against her, said her lawyer. “I trust the system and the judiciary. If the UPSC finds me guilty then the police could take action,” said Khedkar.
