CBI Probes Forged Documents in Ajay Katara Case: Supreme Court Highlights Abuse of Judicial Process

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an investigation into the filing of a fraudulent Special Leave Petition (SLP) aimed at falsely implicating Ajay Katara, a key witness in the Nitish Katara murder case, in a fabricated rape accusation. Acting on the Supreme Court’s directive, the CBI registered an FIR against eight lawyers, a woman, and her husband for their alleged roles in the conspiracy.

The Allegations: Misuse of Judicial Process

Ajay Katara, whose testimony was instrumental in convicting Vikas and Vishal Yadav—the son and nephew of politician DP Yadav—for the 2002 murder of Nitish Katara, claims to have faced systematic harassment through false legal cases. According to Katara, over 35 cases have been filed against him to date, most of which were dismissed during investigation. Only two cases remain, both stayed by the Allahabad High Court.

The current investigation centers on allegations that the woman, her husband, and a group of lawyers forged documents to file an SLP accusing Katara of rape. The purported petitioner, the father of the woman, revealed to the Supreme Court that he had no involvement in the case and had not signed any related documents. He also stated that he had been estranged from his daughter since she eloped and married in 2013, disowning any association with the petitions.

Supreme Court’s Findings

In its scathing observations, the Supreme Court termed the filing of the forged SLP as a “brazen attempt” to manipulate the judicial system. The bench identified several legal professionals, including Advocate on Record Anubhav Yashwant Yadav, RPS Yadav, and Karan Singh Yadav, as key players in fabricating documents and filing baseless petitions to falsely implicate Katara.

The court noted, “Katara is made to suffer for being a witness in the said case. He has been subjected to continuous threats and still continues to be under pressure for having appeared as a witness.” It expressed deep concern over the involvement of legal practitioners in the misconduct, describing it as a severe breach of trust and an abuse of the judicial process.

The Background: Nitish Katara Murder Case

Nitish Katara, a 23-year-old, was murdered in 2002 by Vikas and Vishal Yadav due to his romantic relationship with their sister, Bharti Yadav. The case, which exposed the nexus between political influence and criminal activities, resulted in the conviction of the Yadav cousins, largely due to Ajay Katara’s eyewitness testimony.

Katara’s role as a witness has subjected him to sustained harassment and threats, with multiple legal cases allegedly filed to discredit and intimidate him.

The CBI Probe

The CBI has named eight lawyers and the woman and her husband as accused in the FIR, charging them with conspiracy, forgery, and criminal intimidation. The investigation will delve into the roles of the accused, including the fabrication of documents and the misuse of the judicial process to lodge false allegations against Katara.

Implications for the Legal System

This case highlights serious concerns about the misuse of legal mechanisms by vested interests. The involvement of lawyers in facilitating fraudulent petitions raises questions about professional ethics and accountability within the legal fraternity.

The Supreme Court’s proactive intervention sends a strong message against the manipulation of judicial processes and underscores the importance of protecting witnesses in high-profile cases. The case also calls for systemic reforms to prevent the misuse of judicial platforms and to safeguard individuals who come forward as witnesses in criminal trials.

Conclusion ;

The CBI’s investigation into the forged SLP is a critical step in ensuring justice for Ajay Katara and holding the accused accountable for their actions. This case underscores the pressing need for stronger witness protection mechanisms and stricter regulations to deter the misuse of legal procedures.

Keywords: Ajay Katara, Nitish Katara murder case, forged documents, Supreme Court directive, CBI investigation, witness protection, legal misconduct.