Supreme Court Grants Bail to Woman Accused of Cheating by Posing as Lawyer
Bench of Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan Sets Aside Bombay HC’s Bail Rejection
Court Notes Prolonged Custody Unwarranted, Trial Nearing Completion
By Legal Reporter
New Delhi: February 10, 2026:
The Supreme Court of India has granted bail to a woman accused of cheating several people by falsely claiming to be a practising lawyer before the apex court. The accused, Poonam Charandas Khanna, nearly 60 years old, was arrested in connection with a case registered at Kherwadi Police Station, Mumbai, under Sections 420 (cheating) and 406 (criminal breach of trust) of the Indian Penal Code.
The apex court’s decision sets aside the Bombay High Court’s earlier order that had denied her bail, emphasizing that prolonged incarceration was unwarranted given the nature of the alleged offences and the fact that the trial was nearing completion.
Background of the Case
- The FIR was registered in February 2020 at Kherwadi Police Station, Mumbai.
- The accused allegedly duped builders and individuals by impersonating a Supreme Court lawyer and collecting money under false pretences.
- She had been in custody since January 2024, with her bail plea rejected by the Bombay High Court in December 2025.
- The Supreme Court allowed her Special Leave Petition (SLP), granting bail on humanitarian and legal grounds.
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Court’s Observations
The bench made several important points:
- Maximum Punishment Consideration: The alleged offences carry a maximum punishment of seven years, making prolonged custody disproportionate.
- Trial Nearing Completion: Since the trial was close to conclusion, continued detention was unnecessary.
- Humanitarian Grounds: The court considered her age and health while granting bail.
- Principle of Justice: Bail should not be denied merely because of the seriousness of allegations, especially when evidence can be tested during trial.
Legal Significance of the Ruling
This judgment reinforces key principles of criminal law:
- For Accused Persons: Bail is a right, not a privilege, especially when trials are delayed.
- For Judiciary: Courts must balance the seriousness of allegations with constitutional rights to liberty.
- For Victims: The trial process ensures that allegations are tested, even if bail is granted.
- For Lawyers and Citizens: Highlights the dangers of impersonation and the importance of verifying credentials.
Broader Implications
Also Read: Supreme Court Reiterates: Bail Cannot Be Made Conditional on Monetary Deposits
- Public Awareness: Citizens must be cautious of individuals falsely claiming to be lawyers or professionals.
- Legal Profession: The case underscores the need for stricter checks against impersonation in courts.
- Judicial Efficiency: Encourages faster trials to avoid prolonged custody.
- Human Rights: Reinforces the principle that bail should not be denied as a form of punishment before conviction.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to grant bail to Poonam Charandas Khanna reflects a balanced approach to justice, ensuring that liberty is not curtailed unnecessarily while the trial process continues. The ruling serves as a reminder that bail is a safeguard against prolonged detention and that allegations must be tested in court, not punished in advance.
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