Allahabad High Court Upholds Summons Against Husband for Forged Bank Statements
Court says filing fake records in maintenance case is “insult to the majesty of law”
Justice Vikram D. Chauhan rules criminal trial must proceed to protect judicial integrity
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: December 11, 2025:
The Allahabad High Court has delivered a strong message against attempts to mislead courts by filing false financial documents. In a recent ruling, the Court upheld summons issued against a husband accused of submitting fabricated bank statements to understate his income in a maintenance case filed by his former wife. The bench, led by Justice Vikram D. Chauhan, refused to quash criminal proceedings, stressing that filing forged records is a direct attack on the credibility of the judicial process.
Also Read: SEBI Settles Hemant Ghai Case: Ex-CNBC Awaaz Anchor Pays ₹1.45 Crore in Fraudulent Trading Probe
Background of the Case
The case involves Gaurav Mehta, a resident of Noida, who was directed by the maintenance court in February 2019 to submit his last three years’ income tax returns, bank statements, and details of assets. These documents were required to assess the appropriate maintenance for his minor son.
Instead of submitting genuine records, Mehta allegedly filed altered ICICI Bank statements for the years 2011–12, 2012–13, and 2013–14. The fabricated statements reportedly deleted several deposits and withdrawals, painting a misleading picture of his financial capacity.
His former wife challenged these documents, and the bank later confirmed discrepancies when authentic statements were produced. This led to criminal proceedings against Mehta for forgery and misleading the court.
Court’s Observations
Justice Chauhan, while dismissing Mehta’s plea under Section 482 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), made several important observations:
Also Read: Supreme Court: Wrong Sanction Under Section 151 Invalidates Income Tax Reassessment Proceedings
- Forgery undermines justice: The Court said filing forged documents is not a minor irregularity but a serious offense that strikes at the foundation of judicial integrity.
- Insult to law: The act was described as an “insult to the majesty of law,” highlighting the gravity of misleading the judiciary.
- Trial necessary: The Court emphasized that such allegations must be tested through a full criminal trial, and quashing proceedings at the preliminary stage would send the wrong message.
- Public confidence: Allowing forged documents in court would erode public trust in the justice system.
Legal Significance
This ruling reinforces several legal principles:
- Accountability in maintenance cases: Parties cannot escape responsibility by manipulating financial records.
- Judicial integrity: Courts must protect their processes from fraud and deception.
- Deterrence: The decision serves as a warning to litigants that tampering with evidence will invite criminal consequences.
The judgment also reflects the judiciary’s broader stance that truthful disclosure of income and assets is essential in family law disputes, especially when children’s welfare is at stake.
Wider Implications
Also Read: Supreme Court: No Fresh Section 11 Petition After Termination of Arbitration Proceedings
The case has wider implications for family law and criminal jurisprudence in India:
- For spouses in disputes: It underscores that honesty in financial disclosure is non-negotiable.
- For lawyers: Legal representatives must ensure clients submit authentic documents, as aiding forgery could also attract liability.
- For society: The ruling strengthens the principle that justice cannot be compromised by deceit, especially in sensitive matters like child maintenance.
Reactions
Legal experts have welcomed the decision, noting that it sets a precedent for strict scrutiny of financial documents in maintenance cases. Many believe this will discourage attempts to manipulate records and ensure fair outcomes for dependents.
Family law practitioners also point out that the ruling highlights the importance of bank verification and cross-checking financial disclosures in matrimonial disputes.
Conclusion
The Allahabad High Court’s refusal to quash proceedings against Gaurav Mehta sends a clear message: courts will not tolerate forgery or deception. By calling the act an “insult to the majesty of law,” the Court has reinforced the principle that judicial integrity must be safeguarded at all costs.
This case is a reminder that truthful financial disclosure is the cornerstone of justice in maintenance disputes. Any attempt to mislead the court will not only fail but also invite criminal liability.
GEO Keywords for Faster Searches
- Allahabad High Court forged bank statements case
- Husband submits fake bank records maintenance dispute
- Gaurav Mehta Allahabad HC ruling
- Forgery in maintenance case India
- Allahabad HC insult to majesty of law judgment
- Criminal trial for forged bank statements
- Family law maintenance disputes India
- Justice Vikram D Chauhan Allahabad HC
- ICICI Bank forged statements case
- Quashing petition Section 482 CrPC Allahabad HC
Also Read: Gujarat High Court Quashes ₹464 Crore Customs Notice on Palm Kernel Oil Imports