Ghost Litigants and Fake Deals: SC Uncovers Shocking Legal Scam

Speedy Summary

• A litigant obtained a favorable order from the Supreme Court (SC) by fabricating a “ghost” opponent and presenting a fake settlement in a land dispute.
• The SC quashed orders passed by Muzaffarpur trial court and Patna High Court based on this fraudulent portrayal.
• Five months later,the real respondent appeared,revealing that he neither engaged any lawyer nor agreed to any settlement.He discovered the SC ruling online through his son-in-law.
• Investigations showed that lawyers allegedly representing the fake respondent either did not practice law anymore or denied involvement in the case.
• Justices P S Narasimha and Joymalya Bagchi directed for an inquiry into this fraudulent conduct, with potential filing of an FIR if deemed necessary.
• The SC withdrew its earlier order after evidence of fraud was presented.

Indian Opinion Analysis

This incident underscores vulnerabilities in India’s legal framework, especially concerning misuse of procedural safeguards like caveats to suppress notices. Fraudulent tactics such as fabricating settlements highlight systemic risks wherein unethical litigants exploit loopholes to manipulate judicial outcomes. The Supreme Court’s stern response-ordering an inquiry and considering FIR registration-sets a notable precedent emphasizing accountability within legal proceedings.

the implications extend beyond individual malpractice; such deceitful actions erode trust in judicial integrity and may overburden courts with corrective measures, detracting from timely justice delivery.Institutional mechanisms must prioritize robust verification processes to prevent similar occurrences while maintaining impartiality.

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