Lawyer Denied Bail for Forged Class 12 Marksheet

The Allahabad High Court has denied bail to an advocate accused of grave fraud for allegedly forging his Class 12 marksheet to secure registration with the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh. Justice Krishan Pahal emphasized that advocates are vital pillars of justice and their conduct must be beyond reproach, stating that using forged documents undermines the legal profession's credibility and public confidence.

The court rejected the applicant's claim that termites destroyed his marksheet, noting it contradicted official board records indicating he had failed the examination. The advocate, Ashish Shukla, is facing charges under sections 420, 467, 468, and 471 of the Indian Penal Code for cheating and forgery.

Shukla was arrested in Nainital after his anticipatory bail was cancelled by a sessions judge in Kanpur for failing to provide his complete educational credentials. The FIR was filed following a complaint alleging the forgery of his educational qualifications to obtain graduation and law degrees, and subsequent advocate registration.