National desk
15 January
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist
Nutritionist And Health Educator
Pooja Khelkar, a former IAS probationary officer accused of cheating in the civil services examination and misusing OBC and Divyang quotas, has approached the Supreme Court for anticipatory bail. A bench comprising Justices BV Nagaratna and Satish Chandra Sharma will hear her plea on January 15.
Khelkar’s petition challenges the Delhi High Court’s December 23, 2024, decision, which denied her anticipatory bail. The High Court stated that a prima facie case existed against her and highlighted the need for a thorough investigation to uncover a “larger conspiracy” to tamper with the system.
The court observed that granting Khelkar bail before her arrest could hinder the investigation. “The anticipatory bail petition is dismissed,” the High Court ruled, emphasizing that the charges required further inquiry.
The allegations against Khelkar have sparked widespread debate about the misuse of reservation benefits and the credibility of the civil services examination system. Her legal battle continues as the Supreme Court prepares to examine the matter, raising questions about systemic integrity and individual accountability in one of India’s most prestigious recruitment processes.