Madras High Court Registry lodges police complaint for forging its proceedings to get Bangladesh nationals deported

Madras High Court Registry lodges police complaint for forging its proceedings to get Bangladesh nationals deported The High Court Registry in Chennai has taken a rare step by filing a police complaint alleging that officials within its own jurisdiction have engaged in forged proceedings to facilitate the deportation of Bangladesh nationals. The complaint, addressed to the Superintendent of Police, alleges that forged documents and manipulated legal processes were used to create the appearance of legitimate deportation orders. It claims that such actions contravene both the law and the principles of natural justice, and threaten the integrity of the court’s decision‑making process..

The complaint was submitted in a formal written statement by the Registry’s chief clerk, who cited evidence gathered from internal audits. According to the statement, a series of fabricated court orders were circulated within the registry’s file system, which purportedly endorsed the removal of Bangladeshi residents. These documents were allegedly used to produce false warrants and to misinform immigration officials about the legal status of the individuals involved..

In response, the Registry has requested that the police launch a thorough investigation into the alleged forgery. The complaint details how the forged documents were introduced into the court’s electronic filing system and were subsequently used by court clerks to produce execution orders. The Registry asserts that such manipulation undermines public confidence in the judiciary and creates a dangerous precedent for future cases involving foreign nationals..

The filing also names three registry officials as potential suspects. Their alleged roles include the creation of the forged documents and the distribution of the fabricated orders to immigration authorities. While the Registry has not named the individuals in public statements, the complaint provides their identities and employment records to the police for further inquiry..

This move reflects the Court’s commitment to transparency and accountability within its own administrative machinery. Lakshminarayanan, the chief justice of the Madras High Court, has taken notice of the complaint. In an order issued on the day of filing, he directed the police to investigate the matter without delay and to submit a status report by 10 November 2026..

The order emphasises that the investigation must be carried out impartially and with full cooperation from all relevant parties, including the Registry staff and the Department of Immigration. The deadline set by the Justice is significant, as it allows for a detailed investigation while ensuring that the process remains timely. The order also highlights that any findings of misconduct will be forwarded to the Supreme Court’s Committee on Judicial Misconduct for possible disciplinary action..

This shows that the High Court is willing to hold its own staff to high standards and to respond swiftly to allegations of procedural abuse. According to sources close to the case, the alleged forged proceedings began after a high-profile deportation case involving a Bangladeshi family was brought before the court. The Registry’s clerks reportedly produced forged affidavits that were presented as legitimate evidence by the immigration authorities..

The forged documents were later discovered by an independent audit that uncovered inconsistencies in the filing dates and signatures. The audit was conducted by the Court’s Internal Monitoring Committee, which regularly reviews the Registry’s compliance with procedural norms. The Committee found that the forged documents were inserted into the registry’s system through an unauthorized access point, suggesting a lapse in security protocols..

The audit report, which was forwarded to the Supreme Court, highlighted the need for tighter controls on electronic filing and the implementation of biometric authentication for all registry staff. In addition to the police investigation, the Court has ordered a comprehensive review of its electronic case management system. The review will examine how the Registry’s software could be vulnerable to tampering and whether additional safeguards are required to prevent future incidents..

The review will be conducted by a panel of IT specialists and legal experts and will be submitted to the Court within six months. The impact of the alleged forgery extends beyond the immediate case. Legal scholars have warned that such incidents could erode the rule of law, particularly for vulnerable migrant communities..

The Supreme Court has previously emphasised the need for courts to maintain impartiality and to avoid any appearance of bias or misconduct. The current situation challenges that principle and calls for a robust response from the judiciary. The Bangladesh High Commission in Chennai has issued a statement expressing concern over the allegations..

The statement called for an independent investigation to restore confidence in the judicial process and to ensure that the rights of Bangladeshi nationals are protected. It also urged the Indian government to cooperate fully with the police and the Court in resolving the matter. While the investigation is underway, the High Court has taken steps to safeguard the integrity of pending cases involving foreign nationals..

A temporary moratorium has been imposed on all deportation orders pending the outcome of the police report. This measure aims to prevent further potential misuse of legal processes and to protect individuals who may be wrongly targeted by forged documents. The case has attracted international attention, with several human rights organisations monitoring the developments closely..

They have called for transparency in the investigation and for the Court to provide regular updates to the public. The High Court’s decision to involve law enforcement reflects its willingness to cooperate with external agencies to uphold the rule of law. Ultimately, the outcome of the police investigation and the status report due by 10 November 2026 will determine whether the allegations of forgery are substantiated and what consequences, if any, the implicated officials will face..

The Court’s swift action, combined with the involvement of independent oversight bodies, signals a decisive stance against corruption and procedural abuse within its own ranks..