UPSC Cannot Disqualify Me: Puja Khedkar

Puja Khedkar, a former IAS trainee officer, has challenged her disqualification by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), arguing that the commission lacks the authority to act against her once she has been selected and appointed as a probationer. In a response filed before the Delhi High Court, Khedkar emphasized that the “UPSC ceases power to disqualify her candidature” after her appointment.

Khedkar contends that only the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has the power to take action under the All India Services Act, 1954, and the Probationer Rules. She cited Rule 19 of the CSE 2022 Rules, which she claims supports her position.

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The UPSC’s decision to disqualify Khedkar was made on July 31, following accusations of misuse of power and violations of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022 rules, including “faking her identity.” The commission has also barred her from participating in future examinations or selections and initiated a criminal case against her for alleged cheating, fraud, and forgery.

Responding to these allegations, Khedkar filed a petition in the Delhi High Court challenging the UPSC’s decision. In her court response, she maintained that she did not manipulate or misrepresent her name in any way to the UPSC. She argued that her name has remained consistent in all relevant documents from 2012 to 2022.

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Khedkar also highlighted that the UPSC verified her identity using biometric data, including iris scans and fingerprints, during personality tests in 2019, 2021, and 2022. All of her documents were scrutinized by the Commission during the personality test held on May 26, 2022.

In the past, Khedkar appeared for examinations under the OBC quota using the name ‘Puja Diliprao Khedkar.’ However, after exhausting all attempts, she appeared under the OBC and PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) quotas in 2021-22 using the name ‘Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar.’ She managed to clear the examination with a rank of 821.

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By challenging the UPSC’s disqualification decision, Khedkar is seeking justice from the Delhi High Court and is asserting that only the DoPT can make decisions regarding her status as a probationer.

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