Delhi High Court faces scrutiny after lawyer fabricates bail order, triggering judicial uproar. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma initiates suo motu case, exposing breach of legal trust and protocol.
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DELHI: The Delhi High Court has taken speedy action after discovering an alarming case of forgery within its own ranks. The Court directed its Registrar General to file a police complaint against a lawyer accused of fabricating a bail order purportedly issued by the High Court.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, acting on the court’s behalf, has initiated a Suo motu case, revealing a disturbing breach of legal trust and protocol.
The case came to light when it was discovered that a lawyer, appointed to assist undertrial prisoners, had deceitfully created and distributed a counterfeit bail order. This fake document was purportedly issued by the High Court itself, a claim that has since been debunked and led to significant judicial and legal repercussions.
The court expressed its dismay and concern, stating:
“It is alarming, shocking as well as disconcerting”
Justice Sharma emphasized the severity of the situation, remarking:
“It is a very serious matter of prima facie forgery and fabrication of order of Delhi High Court which requires investigation.”
The implications of such an act are far-reaching, affecting not just the individuals directly involved but also the broader perception of judicial reliability and trustworthiness.
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In response to this egregious act, the court has mandated the filing of a police complaint to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted. The directive was clear:
“In light of these circumstances, it is directed that a copy of this order, along with the purported order dated November 18, 2023, presented by Smt. Saira Bano (the mother of the inmate), the authentic order of this Court dated September 18, 2023, issued in a separate case, and the statement provided by Smt. Saira Bano during proceedings, be forwarded to the Registrar General of this Court.”
The incident unfolded when Saira Bano, a concerned mother, was led to believe that her daughter’s bail plea was under consideration, based on the counterfeit document provided by the deceitful lawyer. This led her to approach the High Court for clarification, only to uncover the unsettling truth that no such bail application had been filed or reserved for judgment.
The court’s investigation revealed the depth of the deception, noting:
“Upon thorough examination of the records, it has been confirmed that no bail application bearing the number 6753/2023 has ever been filed before this Court.”
To combat such fraudulent activities and safeguard the authenticity of judicial documents, the Delhi High Court has outlined specific verification processes. Authentic orders and judgments from the court are identifiable by unique features such as an official emblem, a QR code for verification, and a timestamp indicating the download date from the official website.
Furthermore, the court has provided guidelines for verifying ‘Dasti’ orders, ensuring that parties can confirm the legitimacy of such documents through clear, defined steps. These measures are part of a broader effort to maintain the integrity and trust in the judicial system, allowing individuals to independently verify the authenticity of legal documents.
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Justice Sharma has requested the translation and publication of this order in Hindi on the High Court’s website. Additionally, copies of the order are to be distributed across various legal and correctional institutions, ensuring that the message reaches all corners of the legal community and beyond.
