Pune, 12th July 2023: The Bombay High Court has taken serious note of a case registered in 2012 and issued a contempt notice to a policeman attached to the Hinjewadi Police Station. The court has accused him of engaging in “malicious prosecution” against a professor from the National Defence Academy (NDA) in a case related to forgery.
The court has directed the accused policeman to explain why he should not be directed to pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation to the victim. The Assistant Police Inspector, Anand M Pagare, was posted at the Hinjewadi police station and was responsible for investigating a case involving a professor at the NDA who was accused of forging his disability certificate.
According to the allegations, the professor had submitted a disability certificate issued by Sassoon General Hospital to the NDA. However, when the certificate was sent for verification in 2012, the hospital authorities could not locate the original record. Subsequently, a case was registered against the professor at the Hinjewadi police station.
In a turn of events, the hospital officials later informed the Investigation Officer (IO) in 2016 that they had located the original record of the professor’s certificate. Despite this information, the police did not mention it in the charge sheet filed before the court in 2017. As a result, the professor approached the High Court seeking the quashing of the FIR in the matter.
Taking a strong stand, the Bombay High Court has asked the Assistant Police Inspector to physically appear in court and has issued a show cause notice to him. The court’s actions highlight the importance of ensuring fair and just prosecution, as well as the consequences for those who engage in malicious practices that can cause harm to innocent individuals.
It is imperative that law enforcement agencies conduct thorough and unbiased investigations, presenting accurate and complete information before the court. Instances of malicious prosecution not only undermine the credibility of the justice system but also cause undue harm to individuals who may be wrongfully accused.
The contempt notice issued by the Bombay High Court serves as a reminder that the judiciary is committed to upholding justice and holding accountable those responsible for misconduct. The court’s scrutiny in this case will ensure that justice prevails and that innocent individuals are protected from the consequences of malicious prosecution.
