Supreme Court Grants Bail to ‘Fake Lawyer’ Accused of Duping Builder of ₹51 Lakh: Legal Analysis and Implications
Introduction: Bail in a High-Profile Legal Impersonation Case In a significant order reinforcing the principle of personal liberty and speedy trial, the Supreme Court of India granted bail to Poonam Charandas Khanna , a Mumbai resident accused of impersonating a Supreme Court advocate and cheating a builder of ₹51 lakh. A Bench comprising Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan granted bail primarily on the ground of prolonged incarceration without substantial progress in trial , despite serious allegations of fraud and impersonation. This case raises critical legal questions about bail jurisprudence, impersonation of legal professionals, cheating offences, and constitutional safeguards of liberty . Facts of the Case: Alleged Impersonation and Financial Fraud Alleged Modus Operandi The complainant, a builder facing multiple litigations, was introduced to Khanna through his nephew. Khanna allegedly misrepresented herself as a practising Supreme Court lawyer and presented a visi...