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A shocking case of deception and legal malpractice has come to light in Gujarat, as police have apprehended Morice Samuel Christian, a 37-year-old individual accused of operating a fraudulent arbitration tribunal. Christian allegedly conducted his illicit activities between 2019 and 2024, posing as a presiding officer and issuing numerous 'awards' to unsuspecting individuals caught in legal disputes. His actions have resulted in an FIR being filed against him under Sections 170 and 419 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertain to impersonating a public servant and cheating by impersonation, respectively.
Christian's modus operandi was particularly cunning. He preyed on those entangled in land dispute cases, targeting individuals appearing before the city's civil court. Utilizing his fabricated authority, he would lure them to his office in Gandhinagar, an elaborate space designed to resemble a courtroom. There, he conducted sham hearings, meticulously orchestrated to provide an illusion of legitimacy. By portraying himself as an 'official arbitrator' appointed by a competent court, he convinced his victims of his authority and competence in arbitration matters, charging them exorbitant fees to secure favorable rulings.
Christian's deception extended beyond the staged proceedings. He went to great lengths to create the illusion of a legitimate tribunal. He employed individuals to pose as tribunal staff and lawyers, further solidifying the impression of a credible institution. This elaborate façade, designed to mask his fraudulent intentions, allowed him to exploit the vulnerabilities of those seeking a swift and equitable resolution to their legal problems.
The unveiling of Christian's elaborate scheme can be attributed to the vigilance of the legal system. A complaint filed by Hardik Desai, the registrar of the Civil Court in Ahmedabad, based on instructions from JL Chovatia, the city's civil and sessions court judge, triggered the investigation. This complaint stemmed from a case involving Babjuji Thakor, who submitted a claim certificate, allegedly awarded by Christian, in support of his claim over a piece of government land. However, this claim certificate was found to be a fraudulent fabrication, leading to the unraveling of Christian's elaborate fraud.
The initial probe conducted by the police has unearthed alarming evidence. Christian's alleged operation dates back to 2019, indicating that he has been perpetrating this fraud for at least five years. The severity of his actions lies not only in the deception inflicted on his victims but also in the erosion of public trust in the judicial system. Christian's actions underscore the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the legal process and highlighting the need for increased awareness and vigilance against such fraudulent activities.
Source: Gujarat Police Arrests Conman On Allegations Of Running Fake Arbitration Tribunal Since 2019