The Delhi High Court levied a penalty of Rs 35,000 on Vivek Keshavan for allegedly impersonating an official associated with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in order to request privileges such as temple visits, government lodging, and transportation.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has imposed a fine of Rs 35,000 on a conman for posing as an official from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to secure VIP temple darshan and government vehicle facilities. This case highlights the audacious lengths to which individuals may go to exploit the names of high offices for personal benefits, shedding light on the need for stringent measures against such fraudulent activities.
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Justice Navin Chawla imposed the costs on Keshavan while dealing with his plea against the trial court order framing charges against him for offences under Sections 120B (criminal conspiracy) read with 419 (cheating by impersonation) and 420 (cheating) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
“Accordingly, I find no merit in the present petition. The same is dismissed. The petitioner shall pay costs of ₹35,000/-, to be deposited with the Delhi State Legal Services Authority within a period of two weeks. The costs so deposited shall be utilised by the Delhi State Legal Services Authority for providing counselling/psychological support to the POCSO Victims requiring such assistance,”
-the Court ordered.
The case involves two individuals, Keshavan and Pramod Kumar Singh, who orchestrated a scheme to avail themselves of VIP treatment and government amenities under the guise of PMO authority. Singh, masquerading as the Principal Secretary to the PMO, contacted various government officials stationed in Pondicherry and at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Board in Andhra Pradesh.
During these communications, he deceitfully requested government vehicles, accommodation, and privileged darshan (a form of worship) arrangements, specifying that these facilities were for one Vivek K (identified as Keshavan), who would be visiting these locations.
Keshavan, however, contested his involvement in the fraudulent scheme. He argued that his name and number were merely utilized by Singh to secure these unwarranted privileges from the government, insisting that he never personally reached out to anyone to request these favors. Furthermore, Keshavan claimed that he did not receive any material benefits from the alleged scam.
Contrary to Keshavan’s defense, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) presented a compelling case, underlining clear allegations and evidence against him. Government officials, upon receiving instructions from Singh, had contacted Keshavan’s phone number to confirm his visit to Pondicherry and the services he was purported to avail. Notably, Keshavan was provided with a vehicle in Pondicherry, and his accommodation was arranged at a Government Hotel, indicating his direct benefit from the fraudulent activities.
The Court considered the case and held that a prima facie case for framing of charges was made out and there was no infirmity in the trial court order.
“The submission of the learned counsel for the petitioner that merely because the co-accused has misused the name and the mobile phone number of the petitioner, the petitioner cannot be accused of the offence of impersonation, cannot be accepted, as in the present case, the prosecution also alleges that some of the Officers called back at the mobile number of the petitioner and the petitioner did not dispute that favour was being asked for him by the co-accused,”
-Justice Chawla noted.
Keshavan’s plea was, therefore, dismissed.
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the misuse of high office names for personal gain and the vigilant efforts of law enforcement agencies to curb such malpractices. The Delhi High Court’s decision to impose a fine on Keshavan not only penalizes the wrongful act but also sends a strong message about the consequences of impersonation and fraud.
As the judiciary and investigative bodies continue to tackle such challenges, this incident underscores the importance of integrity and the rule of law in maintaining the sanctity of public offices and services.
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