Delhi High Court Cracks Down on Fraudulent NGO Petition Filing
Court imposes costs and orders investigation into unauthorized use of NGO name for filing writ petition.
In a significant judgment, the Delhi High Court has taken stern action against the misuse of judicial processes by imposing a penalty and ordering an investigation into a fraudulent petition filed in the name of a non-governmental organization (NGO). The case, titled "Delhi Ki Galiyan NGO v. Deputy Commissioner, (Delhi)," was heard by Ms. Mini Pushkarna, J., who delivered the judgment on October 13, 2025.
The petitioner, Delhi Ki Galiyan NGO, represented by its President, Mr. Akbar Ali, appeared before the court to clarify that the writ petition seeking demolition of unauthorized construction in Zakir Nagar was filed without his authorization. Mr. Ali provided his Aadhaar card and other documents to establish his identity and the governance structure of the NGO, affirming that no individual named 'Farid Ali' was authorized to act on behalf of the NGO.
The court took serious note of Mr. Ali's submission, which included evidence of a stolen letterhead used unauthorizedly for the petition filing. A public notice regarding the theft was published in prominent newspapers, including The Indian Express and Jan Satta, on September 11, 2025.
The respondents, including representatives from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), informed the court of actions already taken against the property in question. The MCD's status report detailed previous demolition and sealing actions, including prosecution efforts against tampering with seals, and plans for further actions.
The court acknowledged the fraudulent filing as a grave matter of deception and fraud. It directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central District, to investigate the fraudulent filing by Mr. Farid Ali, who is accused of unauthorizedly using the NGO's name for personal gain.
Imposing a penalty of Rs. 50,000 on Mr. Farid Ali, the court ordered that the amount be paid to the "DHC Bar Clerk Association" within six weeks. The DCP was tasked with ensuring compliance, failing which the matter would be listed before the Registrar for further action.
The judgment underscores the importance of safeguarding judicial integrity and the court's commitment to addressing misuse and abuse of legal processes. The case highlights the critical role of courts in dispensing justice, emphasizing strict actions against unscrupulous individuals seeking unlawful gains through deceitful means.
The petition was subsequently disposed of, marking a significant precedent in preventing unauthorized and fraudulent filings in courts.
Bottom Line:
Filing of unauthorized petitions using the name of an NGO constitutes deception and fraud. Courts must take strict action to prevent misuse and abuse of the judicial process.
Statutory provision(s): Sections from Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNS Act) concerning unauthorized construction and legal actions.
Delhi Ki Galiyan NGO v. Deputy Commissioner, (Delhi) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2793706
