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While the alleged wronged wife Gurpal Singh awaits justice, Delhi's legal community is shocked at the way a lawyer with inaccurate papers 'misused' the court's powers

The story of a man getting a divorce from his wife on the basis of 'fake' documents and allegedly a 'fake' lawyer has shocked Delhi's legal community. Though most of the lawyers refused to comment on the issue due to its sub-judice status, they expressed shock and surprise at the fraud. One lawyer termed it one of the biggest legal frauds of recent times.

My husband cheated me: Gurpal Kaur file photo

What has surprised the legal community most is the ease with which Sarabjit Singh, the accused, managed to produce 'fake lawyer' Ranjana Kaur in court.

"Though a lawyer's identity card is not checked in the court, he or she has to file his or her papers with name, address and Bar Council registration number. In this particular case, the details filed by the fake lawyer seem to have been inaccurate," said a lawyer wishing anonymity.

The legal community said it is fairly difficult to impersonate as a lawyer. "What makes this case a rare one is the impunity with which the lawyer presented the case. It seems Sarabjit Singh not only duped his wife but the court too. The powers of the court have been grossly misused by committing a serious fraud where the credentials of the lawyer are in serious doubt," said another lawyer, not wishing to be named.

"It's sad and shocking," said advocate Tarun Goomber.

Though an enquiry has been ordered by the lower court after Sarabjit's wife Gurpal Kaur alleged she had been duped by her husband, Singh denied he had met Ranjana Kaur.

"Ranjana Kaur was hired by Gurpal and I agreed to it. I never met the lawyer and don't know where she is. There could many lawyers by the same name," he said, while talking to MiD DAY.

"How can I hire a lawyer when I had no idea of the divorce plea filed by my husband? In my petition and rejoinders, I have called Ranjana Kaur an imposter. The verdict for divorce came in my absence and without my knowledge so only my husband can reveal the identity of Ranjana Kaur," said Gurpal.

Gurpal is waiting for the courts to reopen after its summer vacation for justice.