On May 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of India granted anticipatory bail to former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, who is under investigation for allegedly using forged OBC and disability certificates to qualify for the UPSC civil services examination. During the hearing, the bench questioned the severity of the offense by asking, “Has she committed murder?”—suggesting that the nature of the charges may not warrant immediate custody.

The court directed Khedkar to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and cautioned her against influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence. The anticipatory bail protects her from arrest during the investigation.

Khedkar has denied all allegations, asserting that she has fully cooperated with the investigation by submitting over 70 documents and appearing multiple times before the Delhi Crime Branch. She has also challenged the cancellation of her provisional candidature before the Central Administrative Tribunal, with a hearing expected by the end of the month.

Sources