Gujarat High Court Shocked Over "Tampering" Of Its Records Amid Crackdown On Corruption Within DRT Ahmedabad, Orders Inquiry

The Gujarat High Court has taken a stern view of the 'mischief' played upon it by tampering its records in a case relating to alleged corruption within Debt Recovery Tribunal at Ahmedabad.

The bench of Justice Sandeep N Bhatt was seized with a case alleging corruption on part of a lawyer, who was appointed as a Court Commissioner in the proceedings of DRT.

During the course of hearing, the judge had taken note of the "deteriorating" situation of the institution, "with a majority of individuals, including bank officers, the Registry staff, and many advocates and the officers of the Registry up to the Registrar, allegedly involved in a vicious circle that affects the recovery of huge public funds."

As the Court had warned of inquiry and action in the matter, on a subsequent date it discovered that listing of the matter had been tampered with to avoid further hearing.

"This Court is of the opinion that this is nothing but an attempt to overreach the process of the Court. It also amounts to tampering with the record of the Court as an attempt was made to modify/change the stage of the matter by listing the matter in the ‘Final Hearing Board’, instead of ‘Admission Board’," the bench had said.

It had also ordered the Registrar as well as the State Bar Council to hold an inquiry into the matter. However yesterday, in a shocking revelation the judge said attempts were made by a senior member of the City Civil Court Bar to ensure the matter is given quietus by the Bar Council.

“Even after passing an order in the previous hearing, some persons, who claimed to be very influential, had tried to contact the Bar Council. Some of the lawyers are thinking they are above the law and they can manage everything,” Justice Bhatt orally observed.

The Court has now once again directed the Bar Council of Gujarat to take appropriate steps and submit its compliance report by November 8. "It is expected that the Bar Council of Gujarat will act strictly, in accordance with law, considering the gravity of misconduct involved in the present petition, without any partiality or favour."

The HC Registry also sought more time to conduct detailed inquiry into the matter and find out the actual culprit including the concerned staff of the Registry, the lawyer, if any. "The Registrar General is empowered to file an FIR against the erring employee/s of this Court and do so, if required," Court said.