All courts to be scanned for fake stamp papers

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court is all set to issue orders to the State Police Chief to carry out an in-depth inspection in all courts across the state to find out whether forged judicial stamp papers have been submitted. The move comes in the wake of a massive stamp paper fraud, detected at the Thiruvananthapuram Additional Sub Court.According to an official of the High Court, the issue will be discussed with Acting Chief Justice Manjula Chellur in the administrative side. Based on that, an order will be issued to DGP Jacob Punnoose to take necessary action. The  Acting Chief Justice inquired about the media reports which showed the use of fake stamp papers being used by litigants. The Thiruvananthapuram District and Sessions Court has also informed the issue to the High Court in writing.Meanwhile speaking to reporters here on Friday, Punnoose said that a case has been registered and investigations have already been launched.“The police will look whether there is a court-based racket functioning with such an agenda. A direction has been given to the Thiruvananthapuram City Police Commissioner to probe into the issue, and a detailed probe has been launched. Right now, the investigation will be in the Thiruvananthapuram court and then we will check the sub-registrar offices and document writing centres,” said Punnoose.