Fake Notaries Cast
Poonch, Jammu & Kashmir – December 31, 2025 (Special Report)By: Investigative DeskA dark and alarming trend has emerged in the courts of Poonch, a sensitive border district in Jammu & Kashmir, where fraudulent notary practices are reportedly ruining innocent citizens’ lives. Within the corridors of justice, where fairness is expected, fake agreements, forged signatures, and thumb impressions are being used to stake claims on properties worth crores of rupees. The result is not only a drain on the judiciary’s valuable time but also mental and social trauma for ordinary citizens, eroding public trust in the legal system.This is no fictional tale. It is a disturbing reality that has persisted in Poonch for years. Recently, the Jammu & Kashmir government issued a critical circular (No. LAW (Notary) 50/2021, dated December 16, 2025) attempting to curb this malpractice. The circular explicitly warns notaries against illegally registering or notarizing sale agreements and documents related to state land, highlighting that such actions violate the Notaries Act, 1952, and Notaries Rules, 1956. It clarifies that notaries are strictly limited to attesting, verifying, or certifying documents—not performing registration functions reserved for registrars under the Registration Act, 1908.Despite the circular, sources reveal that in Poonch, the law remains largely unheeded. Small “notary centers” and intermediaries reportedly operate around the district court, producing fraudulent documents with forged signatures and thumb impressions. Lawyers then file cases in court based on these documents, sometimes dragging matters on for years. The original owners—often local farmers or border residents—end up losing property, while the fraudsters exploit loopholes in the system.Poonch Context: Border Disputes and Rising Land FraudPoonch has historically faced land disputes due to its border location and complex inheritance patterns. In recent years, fake notary documents have transformed these disputes into an organized network of fraud. Investigations show that brokers and intermediaries often duplicate deeds and sale agreements, creating a “minefield” where a single plot may be sold multiple times. In rural areas like Surnkot and Mandi, near the Line of Control, this trend has reached alarming proportions.Local victims report cases where fake agreements were prepared with forged signatures and attested by notaries, giving the appearance of legality. These documents have been used to initiate civil cases, criminal complaints, and even police actions. Despite this, the law clearly limits notaries to authentication and certification; they cannot confer property rights or register property. Yet, numerous cases in Poonch show notary documents being misrepresented as legally binding, misleading both courts and citizens.Lawyers’ Collusion: Exploiting Legal LoopholesCompounding the problem, some lawyers are allegedly complicit, using these fraudulent documents to press cases in court. Legal experts indicate that such practices exploit the system’s gaps, turning weak or illegal documents into courtroom arguments. Consequently, courts face prolonged hearings, interim orders, and unnecessary litigation, adding strain to the judicial system. Reports show cases where lawyers have presented agreements mentioning large sums of money, despite the notaries’ clear limitations under Section 8 of the Notaries Act, which allows them only to attest, not to grant property rights.Human Cost: Mental and Emotional TraumaThe human toll of these fake notary practices is immense. Families face years of uncertainty, financial loss, and social stigma. Psychological experts note that victims often experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially in already stressful border areas. A survey conducted by Jammu University in 2024 indicated that 40% of land fraud victims in Jammu & Kashmir suffer from mental health issues.Urgent Need for Implementation of Government CircularLegal analysts emphasize that the government’s circular is a positive step, reiterating notaries’ powers under Sections 8 and 11 of the Notaries Act. However, without strict enforcement, it risks remaining a paper directive. Experts recommend a joint monitoring mechanism, particularly in Poonch, including investigation of all fraudulent notary documents, inquiries into involved lawyers and notaries, and compensation for affected citizens.Recent charges filed by the Crime Branch in Kashmir over large-scale land fraud cases involving forged documents underscore the existence of a coordinated network. Establishing a dedicated Economic Offences Wing (EOW) in Poonch and instructing the Bar Council to suspend licenses of complicit lawyers could curb this malpractice.Restoring Justice: A Call to ActionResidents, social activists, and legal experts are urging immediate implementation of the government circular. Public petitions with hundreds of signatures demand strict investigation and legal action against all individuals involved in these fraudulent practices, including imprisonment and fines. Experts suggest introducing a digital property registration system, allowing online verification of all documents.In conclusion, the shadow of fake notaries in Poonch courts undermines the judicial system and violates human rights. While the government circular represents an essential first step, strict enforcement is crucial to prevent further injustice and restore faith in the rule of law.
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