Khedkar moves Delhi HC against cancellation of her UPSC candidature
What's the story
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has informed the Delhi High Court of its intention to deliver a candidature cancellation order to former trainee IAS officer, Puja Khedkar, within two days.
This development follows Khedkar's legal challenge against a UPSC press release that announced the cancellation of her candidature in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022, dated July 31.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Khedkar first made headlines after she was accused of abusing her power and privileges by demanding perks and facilities she was not entitled to during her training at the Pune district collectorate in Maharashtra.
Additionally, she was accused of bullying those around her and placing a red-blue beacon, indicating a high-ranking official, on a private Audi luxury sedan she used.
The car also had "Maharashtra Government" written on it during her stint.
Legal challenge
Khedkar's legal counsel challenges UPSC press release
Senior Advocate Indira Jaising, representing Khedkar, has argued that her client was not served with the cancellation order and only learned of it through a press release.
Jaising is seeking a limited direction from the Delhi HC to receive the order and to quash the press release.
She contends that UPSC had no authority to issue such a press release.
Legal argument
Jaising highlights absence of official cancellation order
"The strange thing about this case is the order cancelling my candidature has not been served on me till date...They've admittedly not served the order on me. I'm seeking direction from this court that I be served a copy of the order so that I know which court to go to... This press release has had a domino effect," Jaising said.
She emphasized her client's need for an official copy of the cancellation order to determine her next legal steps.
Petition withdrawal
Khedkar withdraws petition following UPSC's submission
Upon UPSC's assurance that it will provide a copy of the order cancelling her candidature, Khedkar withdrew her petition.
The court has granted Khedkar the liberty to approach the appropriate forum to challenge the cancellation of her candidature.
Khedkar's plea stated that UPSC's decision to cancel her candidature and bar her from future exams was made without following relevant rules, specifically Rule 19 of the CSE Rules 2022.
She also said that she wasn't granted an opportunity for a hearing.
Candidature cancellation
UPSC cancels Khedkar's candidature for CSE-2022
Previously, UPSC had given Khedkar until July 30, 2024, to respond to a show cause notice.
However, she failed to submit her explanation within the prescribed time.
After examining the available records, UPSC found Khedkar guilty of contravening the CSE-2022 Rules to avail herself more attempts than permissible in the civil services examination.
Consequently, her provisional candidature for the CSE-2022 was cancelled and she was permanently debarred from all future examinations/selections of the UPSC.