CBI Probes Forged SLP in Ajay Katara Case: Legal Professionals Under Scrutiny

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against eight lawyers, a woman, and her husband for allegedly filing a forged Special Leave Petition (SLP) to falsely implicate Ajay Katara, a key witness in the high-profile Nitish Katara murder case. This move comes after a directive from the Supreme Court, which took cognizance of the alleged misconduct and ordered an investigation.

Background: Ajay Katara’s Role in the Nitish Katara Murder Case

Ajay Katara played a pivotal role in securing the convictions of Vikas and Vishal Yadav, son and nephew of politician DP Yadav, for the 2002 abduction and murder of Nitish Katara. His testimony, which directly implicated the accused, made him a target of alleged retaliatory actions, including fabricated legal cases. According to Katara, over 35 false cases have been filed against him to intimidate and harass him, most of which were dismissed at the investigation stage.

The Alleged Conspiracy: Forged Documents and False Petitions

The Supreme Court’s directive for a CBI probe was prompted by startling revelations from the purported petitioner, the father of the woman who accused Ajay Katara of rape in 2013. He informed the court that he had no knowledge of the petitions filed in his name and had not signed any documents. He also disclosed that he had been estranged from his daughter since her marriage in 2013.

The woman’s original 2013 complaint to the Badaun police accusing Ajay Katara of rape was closed after police found no evidence against him. Subsequent legal attempts to revive the case were dismissed by the Allahabad High Court in 2019. However, despite these dismissals, further petitions were filed in the father’s name, allegedly based on forged documents.

The Supreme Court described this as a “brazen attempt” to misuse the judicial system, emphasizing the gravity of the misconduct given its implications for the integrity of legal proceedings.

Supreme Court’s Observations on Legal Misconduct

The apex court expressed serious concern over the involvement of legal professionals in the alleged conspiracy. Among the accused are prominent lawyers, including Advocate on Record Anubhav Yashwant Yadav, RPS Yadav, and Karan Singh Yadav. The court observed that the lawyers and others allegedly fabricated documents and misled the court to falsely implicate Ajay Katara.

In its order, the court stated, “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 further criticized the misuse of the legal profession to undermine judicial processes, calling it a severe abuse of the system.

CBI Investigation and the Path Forward

The CBI’s investigation will focus on the roles of the accused individuals, including the eight lawyers and the woman and her husband. The probe will examine the alleged conspiracy, including the filing of fraudulent petitions and the fabrication of documents.

This case underscores the need for robust mechanisms to protect witnesses and ensure the accountability of legal professionals. It also highlights the challenges faced by individuals like Ajay Katara, who risk their lives to ensure justice is served in sensitive cases.

Broader Implications

The incident raises critical questions about the safeguards within India’s judicial system to prevent the misuse of legal processes. The involvement of legal professionals in such misconduct not only tarnishes the reputation of the profession but also threatens the foundation of trust in the judiciary.

The case also reaffirms the importance of protecting witnesses in high-profile cases. As Ajay Katara continues to face intimidation and harassment, this investigation serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive witness protection mechanisms in India.

Conclusion

The CBI’s investigation into the forged SLP is a crucial step in addressing the alleged misuse of the judicial process and holding those responsible accountable. It also highlights the broader need for systemic reforms to protect witnesses and uphold the integrity of the legal system. The Supreme Court’s proactive stance in this matter serves as a strong message against the abuse of legal procedures for malicious purposes.

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

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