Sun Feb 15 07:20:09 UTC 2026: # Mumbai Court Discharges Former Law College Vice Principal in 2007 Forgery Case

The Story:
A Mumbai court has discharged Chitra Salunkhe, the former vice principal of a law college, in a 2007 case alleging she used a forged B.A. degree to gain admission to L.L.B. and L.L.M. courses at Siddharth Law College. Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Vinod Ramrao Patil ruled on February 9, 2026, that there was insufficient evidence to suggest she tampered with the document. The prosecution’s case was based on the “presumption” that Ms. Salunkhe prepared a false document.

Key Points:

  • The prosecution alleged Chitra Salunkhe used a forged B.A. degree to gain admission to L.L.B. and L.L.M. courses.
  • The case led to her termination as vice-principal.
  • The defense argued that Ms. Salunkhe was falsely implicated by high-ranked police officers.
  • A former DGP report suggested Ms. Salunkhe had been harassed and prosecuted due to gender and caste bias.
  • The court noted the investigation officer failed to produce the alleged forged degree.
  • The court emphasized that charges were not proved in the departmental inquiry.

Key Takeaways:

  • The legal system requires concrete evidence, not just presumption, to convict an individual.
  • Allegations of gender and caste bias can significantly influence legal proceedings and outcomes.
  • Thoroughness in investigations, including the presentation of physical evidence, is crucial for successful prosecution.
  • Departmental inquiries and court proceedings are separate processes, and outcomes may differ.
  • This case highlights the potential for individuals to be falsely accused and the importance of a fair trial.

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