Insufficient evidence leads to the dismissal of forgery and cheating charges against Vartika Singh by the Allahabad High Court
In a significant judgment passed by the Allahabad High Court's Lucknow Bench, the court has quashed the criminal proceedings against renowned international shooter and President awardee, Vartika Singh. Singh was embroiled in a legal battle following allegations of forgery and cheating in relation to documents purportedly connected with her nomination to the National Women Commission.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Rajeev Singh, cited insufficient evidence against Singh for the alleged preparation of forged documents. The proceedings stemmed from a series of events beginning in April 2020, where one Rajneesh Singh allegedly posed as a close associate of a cabinet minister, promising Vartika Singh a position on the National Women Commission. Rajneesh Singh reportedly sent several documents via WhatsApp, purportedly supporting her nomination, and subsequently demanded a payment of Rs. 25,00,000 for finalizing her appointment.
Vartika Singh, suspecting foul play, approached various officials including the Prime Minister's Office and lodged a complaint against Rajneesh Singh. However, instead of her complaint being investigated, charges were filed against her, alleging she had forged the documents herself. The court noted that the investigation did not include any forensic examination to verify if the documents were indeed prepared by Singh, a crucial step that was neglected.
The judgment referenced the Supreme Court's ruling in Sheila Sebastian v. R. Jawaharaj, emphasizing that without concrete evidence showing the accused prepared the forged documents, no offence of forgery can be established. Justice Singh reiterated the importance of thorough investigation by the police, criticizing the mechanical filing of charge sheets without substantial evidence, which can compromise an individual's right to a fair legal process.
Singh's counsel, Mahendra Bahadur Singh and Rohit Kumar Tripathi, argued that the proceedings were malicious and highlighted Singh's victimization by Rajneesh Singh. The court agreed, finding no evidence of cheating or forgery against her, and set aside the impugned proceedings.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's role in upholding justice and protecting individuals from unwarranted legal harassment. It serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based prosecution in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.
Bottom Line:
Quashing of criminal proceedings - Insufficient evidence against the accused for forgery and cheating - No evidence that the accused prepared forged documents - Proceedings liable to be set aside.
Statutory provision(s): Section 482 CrPC, Section 419 IPC, Section 420 IPC, Section 467 IPC, Section 468 IPC, Section 471 IPC, Section 120-B IPC, Section 509 IPC, Section 34 IPC, Section 66/67C I.T. Act.
Vartika Singh v. State of U.P., (Allahabad)(Lucknow) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2825948
