In a stern message against the abuse of legal process, a special SC/ST court in Lucknow on Friday sentenced advocate Lakhan Singh to 10 years and 6 months of imprisonment along with a fine of ₹2.51 lakh for filing false FIRs and misusing judicial procedures.
Special Judge (SC/ST Act) Vivekanand Sharan Tripathi delivered the judgment, observing that the accused had “maligned a responsible profession like advocacy” and “undermined the credibility of the judicial system.” The court remarked that such acts amount to a direct assault on the core principle of criminal law — “Better that a hundred guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”
Serial False Complaints Under SC/ST Act
The court noted that Lakhan Singh had registered nearly 20 fake cases under the SC/ST Act, dragging numerous individuals through years of unnecessary legal battles. Despite being a lawyer himself, Singh routinely appeared in court with bundles of paper and concocted imaginary stories to file cases, the judgment observed.
“A Factory of False Cases”
Terming his conduct as a “factory of false litigations,” the court said that Singh’s misuse of his position as an advocate inflicted harm not only on the individuals implicated but also on the justice delivery mechanism. “Such actions by lawyers like Lakhan Singh damage the image of the entire legal fraternity and weaken the foundation of justice,” the court stated.
Convictions and Sentencing Details
The court found Singh guilty under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code:
- Section 182 IPC (False information): 6 months’ simple imprisonment + ₹1,000 fine
- Section 193 IPC (False evidence): 3 years’ rigorous imprisonment + ₹50 fine
- Section 211 IPC (False charge of offence): 7 years’ rigorous imprisonment + ₹2,00,000 fine
The sentences will run consecutively, resulting in a total of 10 years and 6 months’ imprisonment and a cumulative fine of ₹2.51 lakh.
Already in Jail, More Cases Pending
Lakhan Singh is already in jail in connection with another case involving charges of fraud, rape, and criminal conspiracy. The present conviction adds to the growing list of legal troubles faced by the advocate.
Bar Council, District Administration Informed
The court has directed that a copy of the judgment be forwarded to the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Police Commissioner, and the District Magistrate, urging appropriate disciplinary action. The judge also instructed that if Singh had received any government relief based on fake cases, steps should be taken to recover the amount.
The judgment ends with a caution that lawyers who exploit their legal knowledge to manipulate the system cause irreparable harm to justice and public trust.
