Fake Court Busted in Gujarat: Conman Who Posed as ‘Judge’ and Passed Judgements Since 2019 Arrested

Gandhinagar, Gujarat: In a shocking revelation, police have uncovered a fraudulent operation run by a conman posing as a judge in a fake tribunal, passing 'judgements' since 2019, especially in land dispute cases. Morris Samuel Christian, the mastermind behind this elaborate deception, has been arrested for orchestrating a bogus courtroom drama that fooled many into believing they were in a legitimate legal process.

Christian, who managed to evade detection for years, built a fake court where he passed judgments in favour of his clients, preying on individuals involved in land disputes in the Gandhinagar area. According to a police release, Christian’s fraudulent scheme primarily revolved around land deals, promising swift resolutions for a hefty fee.

The Fraudulent Tribunal
Operating out of a staged courtroom in Gandhinagar, Christian crafted an elaborate ruse. His office, reminiscent of an official courtroom, included associates posing as court personnel to give the impression of authenticity. Victims of his scam were led to believe they were participating in a genuine judicial process.

One of the earliest reported instances dates back to 2019, when Christian passed a fraudulent order in favour of a client involved in a government land dispute in the Paldi area. The case revolved around the addition of his client’s name to revenue records related to a plot under the district collector's jurisdiction. Without any legal authority or official designation, Christian claimed to have been appointed as the "official arbitrator" by the government.

A Scheme of Lies
Christian's con involved staging fake arbitration proceedings in his ‘court’ and passing orders as if they were legitimate. He directed the district collector to alter official land records based on these fabricated orders. To ensure these false judgments were enforced, Christian, through another lawyer, filed an appeal in the city civil court, attaching the fraudulent order to strengthen his claim.

However, the scheme began to unravel when court registrar Hardik Desai discovered the fraud. Upon reviewing the documents, it was revealed that Christian had no legal standing as an arbitrator, and the tribunal was completely fictitious. This prompted Desai to file a formal complaint with the police.

Legal Action and Arrest
Following the registrar's complaint, an FIR was lodged at Karanj police station under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 170 for impersonating a public servant and Section 419 for cheating by personation. Christian was swiftly arrested and is now facing legal consequences for his fraudulent activities.

Police also revealed that Christian is no stranger to legal trouble. He is already facing a separate complaint filed at the Maninagar police station in 2015, further adding to his history of deception.

Exploiting the Vulnerable
Christian’s fraudulent tribunal preyed on vulnerable individuals entangled in complex legal disputes, offering them a quick resolution in exchange for money. The elaborate setup, complete with a mock courtroom, bolstered his façade, giving the appearance of legitimacy to those seeking justice.

This case highlights the extent of Christian’s deception and the importance of verifying the authenticity of legal proceedings. Authorities are now investigating whether other victims may have fallen prey to his scam, as they urge the public to be cautious when dealing with legal matters outside the official judicial system.