The fake judge scam unfolds in Gujarat

In a strange discovery of deception, authorities in Gujarat have arrested a person for orchestrating a mock court and impersonating the presiding judge. The accused, identified as Morris Samuel Christian, designed an elaborate facade imitating the dynamics of a legitimate court at his office in Gandhinagar.

Supposedly active for at least five years, Christian’s court came under scrutiny after a city civil court registrar filed a complaint, which cleared the scam involving forged orders in land disputes. In one notable case from 2019, Christian convinced a client of his legitimacy and issued a false order favoring a client’s claim on government land.

Despite the complex set-up, including accomplices posing as lawyers and court personnel, the disguise ended up faltering. The Ahmedabad police arrested Christian for impersonation and cheating, highlighting significant violations of sections of the Indian Penal Code. The case underscores the broader implications of surveillance in legal operations.

(With contributions from agencies.)