CBI files FIR against eight lawyers in fake vakalatnama case

The Supreme Court dismissed an FIR filed by the CBI over allegations of a fake vakalatnama submitted in a property dispute case. The vakalatnama purportedly bore the forged signature of an advocate without their knowledge. The apex court held that the FIR lacked substantial evidence and was based on presumptions. It also observed that the CBI prematurely intervened in a civil dispute without verifying claims of forgery. The court emphasized the importance of due diligence in criminal proceedings, especially in cases intersecting with civil matters. It warned against the misuse of criminal law to settle civil disputes, which can burden investigative agencies unnecessarily. By quashing the FIR, the court set a precedent to prevent frivolous criminal cases rooted in weak evidence and urged the judiciary to maintain a cautious approach in such circumstances.