Ahmedabad Court Imposes Rs 10,000 Fine for False Police Complaint
A local court in Ahmedabad has delivered a stern verdict, imposing a fine of Rs 10,000 on an individual for filing a false complaint against police officers. The case centered on allegations that the police wrongfully booked him under the Prohibition Act for possessing beer bottles, which he claimed were purchased legally with a health permit.
Details of the Case and Court Proceedings
The individual involved is Shaileshbhai Garange, a 52-year-old resident of Kubernagar. In 2023, Garange approached a judicial magistrate at the Gheekanta court, seeking action against the police for what he alleged was a false Prohibition case filed against him. According to his complaint, he held a valid health permit and had purchased 40 beer bottles from a hotel on October 3, 2023, with an additional 16 bottles already at his home, all allegedly bought under the permit's authority.
However, the court's investigation revealed a different story. A police team from the Sardarnagar police station conducted a raid on Garange's home on October 9, 2023, seizing the beer bottles. The court ordered an inquiry under Section 202 of the CrPC, which involved recording statements from Garange and his witnesses. The findings showed that beer and liquor bottles were indeed found at his residence, and eighteen persons were arrested from the house while enjoying a liquor party.
Court's Findings and Rationale for the Fine
The police complaint further disclosed that Garange and his son were running the place, and during the raid, the health permit was seized. It was discovered that the permit had expired in April 2023, well before the raid occurred. The court stated, "The record indicates that the complainant's claim about liquor purchased on government's permit is contrary to the fact." The court emphasized that filing false and malicious complaints against police officers undermines the morale of the police force and wastes valuable judicial time.
In its ruling, the court added, "If the complaint is proven false or misleading prima facie, legal action can be initiated against the individual concerned." Referring to the FIR, the court clarified that the police officers acted lawfully, and filing false cases against them could significantly damage the police's reputation. Moreover, the court noted that records indicate Garange is involved in other similar offences.
Court's Final Order and Penalty
The court rejected Garange's complaint, concluding that he filed a false case against the police inspector, sub-inspector, and other personnel of the Sardarnagar police station with malicious intent to harm their reputation. As a result, the court ordered Garange to deposit Rs 10,000 as a penalty with the legal committee at the chief judicial magistrate building in Ahmedabad within 30 days. This decision serves as a warning against abusing the judicial system with unfounded allegations against law enforcement officials.
