New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Delhi Police not to arrest beleaguered trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar until August 21 in the fake identity case, providing significant relief to her.
Former IAS trainee Puja Khedkar had moved an anticipatory bail plea before the Delhi High Court. The matter was heard by a bench led by Justice Subramonium Prasad.
The bench directed the police and the UPSC to file a response explaining why her custody was necessary to uncover the conspiracy.
Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra appeared for Khedkar, while Senior Advocate Naresh Kaushik represented the UPSC.
ALSO READ: UPSC cancels selection of Puja Khedkar as trainee IAS officer for identity fraud – THE NEW INDIAN
The court is currently focused on determining whether custodial interrogation is necessary. Kaushik argued that Khedkar’s custodial interrogation is essential, claiming that her entry into the IAS system highlights her manipulative nature.
The UPSC has accused Puja Khedkar of being the “mastermind” behind the alleged irregularities in her case, stating, “Puja is a mastermind; without the help of others, it’s not possible.”
ALSO READ: Puja Khedkar faces new allegations of using OBC Quota for MBBS – THE NEW INDIAN
The bench, however, noted, “We don’t see at the moment that Khedkar’s immediate custody is required.”
The court has set August 21 as the next date of hearing.
According to the FIR, Puja Khedkar allegedly faked her identity to gain additional attempts in the civil services exam.