Court finds no evidence of criminal intent or collusion, dismisses charges against Rajesh Ranjan
In a significant judgment, the Patna High Court has quashed the criminal proceedings against Rajesh Ranjan, a deed writer, in connection with a land dispute case. The decision, delivered by Justice Smt. Soni Shrivastava on August 10, 2026, dismissed allegations of fraud and conspiracy against Ranjan, finding no prima facie evidence of criminal intent or complicity.
The case stemmed from a registered sale deed transaction that was alleged to be fraudulent. The petitioner, Rajesh Ranjan, was accused of colluding with others in preparing the sale deed. However, the court concluded that Ranjan was merely performing his professional duties as a deed writer, with no evidence of criminal intent or conspiracy.
The legal counsel for the petitioner argued that the case was a civil dispute over ancestral property that had been wrongfully given a criminal dimension. The court observed that the petitioner did not engage in any acts of assault or breach of trust, as the allegations lacked substantiation.
The judgment referenced the legal precedent set by the Supreme Court in the case of State of Haryana v. Bhajan Lal, emphasizing that the allegations against Ranjan were bald and unsubstantiated. The court noted that the co-accused had admitted to a mistake and had agreed to rectify the situation, which further undermined the case against Ranjan.
The High Court's decision underscores the importance of distinguishing between civil disputes and criminal intent, particularly in professional conduct. This ruling sets a precedent for similar cases, emphasizing the necessity of concrete evidence before attributing criminal liability to professionals performing their duties.
Bottom Line :
Criminal proceedings against a deed writer (Katib) in a land dispute case quashed, as no prima facie case of criminal intent or complicity was made out against the petitioner.
Statutory provision(s): Indian Penal Code, 1860 Sections 341, 323, 406, 429, 506, 504; Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 Section 482
Rajesh Ranjan v. State of Bihar, (Patna) : Law Finder Doc id # 2969121
