Advocate Accused of Submitting Fabricated Court Orders; Investigation Lapses Highlighted by Court
Mumbai, May 8, 2026 - In a significant development, the Bombay High Court has directed further investigation into the alleged fabrication of court orders by an advocate, Mr. Vinaykumar Ashok Khatu. The decision came in light of apparent lapses in the investigation process, as highlighted by the court, regarding the collection and assessment of evidence, including crucial WhatsApp chats.
The case involves allegations against Mr. Khatu, who is accused of fabricating orders of the Bombay High Court and submitting them to his client, the Informant. The orders in question were dated October 17, 2022, and December 12, 2022, and were reportedly given to the Informant by Mr. Khatu. The Informant later discovered these orders to be fabricated, leading to the registration of an FIR against Mr. Khatu under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including sections 409, 420, 465, 466, 467, 468, 471, and 474.
During the hearing of the bail application filed by Mr. Khatu, the court noted serious deficiencies in the investigation process. Despite the presence of WhatsApp chats between Mr. Khatu and the Informant indicating discussions about the pendency of the proceedings, these were not duly considered as evidence due to the absence of a Section 65B certificate required under the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. The investigating officer failed to address these key pieces of evidence, suggesting a casual approach to the investigation.
Justice R.M. Joshi, presiding over the case, expressed concerns about the inadequate investigation, emphasizing the need for a thorough inquiry to identify the true perpetrator behind the fabrication of documents. "The investigation must reach the truth of the allegations and should not be conducted in a predetermined manner," Justice Joshi stated.
The court has mandated the Senior Police Inspector of Azad Maidan Police Station to conduct a detailed investigation, particularly focusing on the WhatsApp evidence presented by Mr. Khatu. The police have been instructed to conclude the investigation and submit a report by June 15, 2026.
This case has raised critical questions about the reliability of electronic evidence in legal proceedings and underscores the importance of diligent investigative practices. The Bombay High Court's intervention aims to uphold the integrity of the legal system and ensure justice is served.
Bottom line:-
Bail application in a case involving allegations of document fabrication by an advocate against his client - Court directed further investigation due to lapses in the investigation process and evidence collection.
Statutory provision(s): Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 409, 420, 465, 466, 467, 468, 471, 474; Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 Section 482; Evidence Act, 1872 Section 65B.
Vinaykumar Ashok Khatu v. State of Maharashtra, (Bombay) : Law Finder Doc id # 2895468
