The Punjab and Haryana High Court has delivered a stern warning to the Haryana Forest Department after discovering the submission of false affidavits in an ongoing land dispute case. The court has explicitly stated it will examine the contempt aspect of this serious matter, highlighting the department's disregard for judicial process.
Court's Strong Reaction to Deceptive Practices
Justice NS Shekhawat, presiding over the case, expressed deep concern over the forest department's conduct. The court discovered that the department had submitted multiple affidavits containing contradictory and false information regarding a property dispute in Faridabad's Ankhir village.
The property in question spans approximately 52 acres, with the forest department claiming ownership while the petitioner, Dinesh Bhardwaj, asserts his family's legitimate rights through proper documentation. What began as a simple land dispute has escalated into a serious case of attempted deception of the judiciary.
Chronology of Misrepresentation
The case took a dramatic turn when the court compared affidavits submitted by the forest department at different stages of the legal proceedings. Initial affidavits claimed the department had possessed the land since 1982, while subsequent submissions presented completely different versions of events.
Justice Shekhawat specifically noted that the department's officials seemed to believe they could submit any document without facing consequences for factual inaccuracies. The court emphasized that such casual approach toward sworn affidavits demonstrates complete disregard for the sanctity of judicial process.
Examination of Contempt Proceedings
The court has made it clear that it will thoroughly examine whether the forest department's actions constitute contempt of court. This development represents a significant escalation in the legal consequences facing the department and its officials.
Forest Department counsel SS Pattar has been directed to seek specific instructions regarding the contradictory affidavits and explain the department's position. The court wants clear answers about how and why such discrepancies occurred in official court submissions.
The case has been scheduled for further hearing on January 30, 2024, when the court expects comprehensive explanations from the forest department. The department faces not only potential loss in the original land dispute but also separate contempt proceedings that could result in additional penalties.
Broader Implications for Government Departments
This case highlights a concerning pattern of some government departments treating court proceedings with insufficient seriousness. The submission of false or contradictory affidavits undermines the entire judicial process and public trust in government institutions.
The court's strong stance serves as a warning to all government departments that submitting inaccurate information to courts will not be tolerated. The impending examination of contempt aspects indicates the judiciary's commitment to maintaining the integrity of legal proceedings.
This development comes amid increasing scrutiny of how government departments handle legal matters and maintain documentation. The outcome of this case could set important precedents for accountability within government departments dealing with property disputes and court proceedings.
