Pune: A shocking case of forgery and deception has surfaced in the Mumbai High Court, where accused individuals in a cheating case secured bail using a fake court order. The fraudulent order, bearing a forged signature of a Pune court judge, was presented as an official document, misleading the judicial system. The case has now sparked a full-fledged legal investigation, with both Pune and Mumbai courts examining the fraud.
Background of the Case
The case originates from CTR Manufacturing Industries Pvt. Ltd., a Pune-based company that had submitted a tender for an airport project in 2022. After the tender process began, it was discovered that Chennai-based Esun M R Pvt. Ltd. had copied CTR’s design and diagrams with the help of some employees. This led CTR to file a complaint at Pune Airport Police Station in January 2022.
Following the complaint, senior officials of Esun M R Pvt. Ltd., including Ravikumar Ramaswamy, Haribhau Chemte, and three others, were arrested. The accused initially sought bail in Pune Civil Court, but after rejection, they applied for interim bail in the Mumbai High Court.
How the Fraud Was Committed
To obtain bail, the accused submitted a fake court order, which contained:
A fabricated ruling stating that all charges against them were dismissed
A forged signature of Pune court judge Wahida Makandar
Technical legal language to make the document appear authentic
CTR’s legal team later obtained an official certified copy of the original Pune court order, which proved that the document submitted in Mumbai High Court was forged. When Judge Wahida Makandar confirmed that the signature was not hers, CTR immediately approached the Mumbai High Court to expose the fraud.
Legal Response and Investigation
After verifying the allegations, the Mumbai High Court canceled the accused’s bail. The court also ordered its registrar to file a police complaint and initiate an investigation into how the fake order was created and who was involved in the deception.
Legal Experts Demand Strict Action
Former Bar Association President Advocate Milind Pawar stated that such cases undermine the integrity of the judiciary, and the court should take immediate legal action against those involved. According to legal experts, judges have the power to file direct complaints with the police in such matters to ensure strict action against those misleading the judicial system.
Next Steps in the Case
The case will now proceed with detailed legal hearings in both Pune and Mumbai courts to determine:
Who forged the judge’s signature?
Who facilitated the submission of the fake court order?
Were any legal professionals or officials involved in the fraud?
The Mumbai High Court has now handed over the case to the police, and further action will be taken based on the findings.
