Prayagraj: A case involving alleged use of forged educational certificates for Bar Council registration and legal practice has widened in Prayagraj, with 26 lawyers booked at the Civil Lines police station. The action was initiated on the complaint of the Bar Council of Uttar Pradesh. During verification, degrees and mark sheets submitted by several lawyers were allegedly found to be invalid, with the concerned universities unable to confirm their authenticity from official records.
The investigation began following an order of the Allahabad High Court in the Kafeel vs State of Uttar Pradesh and Others case. On June 3, 2026, the court directed that an FIR be registered after the educational qualification of a registered advocate was found to be allegedly forged during verification. Following the order, the Bar Council expanded the verification process to examine the academic documents submitted by other advocates registered with it.
Degrees linked to universities in several states under scrutiny
During verification, documents submitted by some advocates during registration and the Certificate of Practice (COP) process could not be matched with the records maintained by the respective universities. The documents under scrutiny are linked to institutions located in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country.
The universities and institutions mentioned in the verification process include Shridhar University in Pilani, Rajasthan; Rohilkhand University in Bareilly; Swami Vivekanand Subharti University associated with Meerut and Gurugram; and Thiruvalluvar University in Tamil Nadu, among others.
The Bar Council is now examining how the allegedly invalid certificates were obtained and how they were submitted during the registration process. Investigators are also expected to examine whether the documents were knowingly used or whether any intermediary was involved in supplying them.
Lucknow advocate’s 2013 degree allegedly failed verification
One of the cases involves a lawyer from Lucknow who had submitted a graduation degree and mark sheet dated 2013 along with an application for a Certificate of Practice. The documents were sent to Shridhar University in Pilani for verification.
According to the verification process, the university’s records did not support the authenticity of the mark sheet submitted with the application. The photocopy was reportedly described as incorrect and unauthorised in relation to the available institutional records.
Following the verification, the concerned Bar Council committee issued a notice and subsequently initiated action. The case was then referred to the police. Similar discrepancies were allegedly found during verification of academic documents submitted by other advocates.
Complaint against around 100 people
The Bar Council has reportedly submitted a complaint involving around 100 people to the police. At present, FIRs have been registered against 26 advocates, while verification of documents in the remaining cases is continuing.
Police are expected to examine university records, verification reports, original documents where available, applications submitted to the Bar Council and other supporting material. If sufficient evidence emerges against additional individuals, separate FIRs may be registered.
The investigation will not be limited to determining the role of advocates who allegedly submitted forged certificates. A key question will be how such documents were created and how they reached the people who used them.
Police to probe possible document-supply network
Investigators will examine the source of the degrees and mark sheets, including their printing, preparation, modification and delivery. Officials will also look for common links between different cases to determine whether the documents originated from the same person, institution or organised network.
Digital records, application details, communication records and document-related evidence may also be examined to establish the chain through which the allegedly forged certificates were obtained.
If an organised network involved in preparing or supplying fake educational certificates is identified, further legal action could follow against those responsible.
The case has therefore expanded beyond the alleged irregular registration of individual advocates. With the Bar Council having submitted information concerning around 100 people and verification continuing, the number of cases could increase. Police action will depend on the verification reports and other evidence collected during the investigation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
