In a significant development in the fake Special Leave Petition (SLP) case, a bench comprising Justice Bela Trivedi and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma made it clear that it would issue an order in the matter. The case, brought before the court by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association (SCAORA), has sparked intense legal discussions.
During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the SCBA, argued that the bar’s members had suffered great injustice and urged the court to include certain phrases in its judgment.
Also Read: Supreme Court To Hear Krishna Janmabhoomi Case In April, Extends Stay On Survey Order
However, Justice Trivedi clarified that while the court was listening to Sibal because he represented the Bar, it was also important to acknowledge that the Bar had no jurisdiction in this case. The judge emphasized that only the individuals directly involved in the case could have their names linked to it.
The case revolves around allegations of attempts to manipulate the judicial system, leading the court to order a CBI investigation. The bench expressed regret over the brazen misuse of legal processes, noting that such actions aimed at corrupting the judiciary were highly concerning. The court directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary inquiry and, if necessary, register a formal case and submit a report within two months.
In response, the CBI has already filed an FIR against eight lawyers, alleging their involvement in crimes such as false representation, fraudulent claims in court, and criminal conspiracy. According to the CBI’s FIR, these individuals are suspected of creating a criminal conspiracy to file fake SLPs and other applications in the Supreme Court and the Allahabad High Court. Of the ten individuals accused, three practice in the Supreme Court, and five are based in the Allahabad High Court.
The complainant, Bhagwan Singh, has denied any involvement in the case, stating that he had never filed the petition, nor had he met any lawyers or hired one for legal representation. Despite this, documents related to the case, including a signed vakalatnama, bear Singh’s signature, which was also notarized.
This case marks a critical moment in ensuring the integrity of the judicial system, with the court taking strong action against the misuse of legal processes.