by Ravi Dabral
Vijay furiously said, “Bastard, how dare you tell us to withdraw the case?”
Khurana said, “Vijay, I am warning you again, control your anger and language. This is not the right time to show your anger. Learn from Suraj. See how cool and calm he is, even after today’s hearing which was not in his favour.”
Suraj gestured to Vijay to control his anger.
Khurana said to Gulshan, “As I am your elder, and an experienced lawyer, I request you to please tell your client to stop any further search for evidence. Just withdraw the case and earn some money. I will also talk to my clients to give you ₹ 10 lakh for helping in this out of court settlement. This is a good opportunity for all of you. It will take years for all of you to earn such huge sums of money. Suraj, you will be lucky to have this ₹ 2 crore for this small case. My clients are very generous people. They do real and prompt justice which is missing in today’s justice system.”
Seema said, “They are generous, or they have black money which they have earned by doing scams, looting taxpayers, cheating voters, taking bribes from MNCs, misusing funds borrowed from international funding agencies, and are now spending it in such a way.”
Khurana said, “Suraj I respect you as a journalist; that is why I am not saying anything to your brother and Seema for their derogatory remarks against my respectable and reputable clients.”
Suraj finally broke his silence and said, “Mr. Khurana, I suggest that you respect the judiciary and don’t make a mockery of the legal system by offering your cheap proposal. And stop behaving like a tout for the criminals. Being a senior lawyer, you should act with some moral responsibility to uphold the dignity and decorum of the legal system and judiciary for the sake of the common public welfare, democracy and the constitution of India. I am worried about our judiciary, as senior lawyers such as you may become judges in the near future.”
Khurana became angry and said, “Suraj you are crossing the limit and insulting me. I am giving you a proposal as per the advice from my clients. I am giving you time until 9 th October evening to decide. Otherwise, during the 10 th October hearing, you will regret not accepting our proposal. One more thing, I believe in forgive and forget mantra, so whatever you all have said today I am prepared to forget and I forgive you all with the hope that you will change your mind and accept my proposal to live a peaceful life. Otherwise, it will be miserable for all of you.”
With these threatening words, Khurana left the court premises.
That day all of them were tense and depressed.
Gulshan said, “Don’t worry, in the next one month some solution will surely come up. We have to believe that truth always prevails.”
In the evening, Suraj went to the ashram and informed Guruji, and other ashram volunteers about that day’s hearing and Mr. Khurana’s offer of ₹ 2 crores to withdraw the case.
Guruji said to Suraj, “I know that in today’s corrupt legal system it is challenging to prove the truth, especially when high cost influential criminal lawyers are helping powerful crooks having black money and muscle power. But this is what life is all about; you have to face it. You can’t change this corrupt system overnight. You need to have patience. During such a difficult time, always focus on basic principles. This is actually a testing time for your virtuous qualities. Please always note that overcoming difficult situations makes you a champion, so you are on the right track.”
Guruji continued speaking, “As you may know, intelligence means practical application of common sense. So this is the time to think about smart ways using common sense, intellect and reasoning power.”
Suraj said, “Thanks Guruji for your moral support and encouragement. Under your guidance, I am sure some positive solution will soon emerge.”
38
Justice Should Prevail
B efore the next hearing date, Vijay told Suraj that Mr. Tiwari, a constable working at his police station had seen Sanjay in his car on the accident day and might agree to become a witness. Vijay further told him that Mr. Tiwari had high regard for Suraj, and if he personally spoke to him, there were chances that he could become a witness in their case.
As suggested by Vijay, Suraj went to meet Mr. Tiwari at his house. Mr. Tiwari welcomed him and was very glad to see him alive.
Suraj said, “Mr. Tiwari, I trust you are aware that our case is weak because of lack of evidence and witnesses. Vijay told me that you had seen Sanjay on the day of the accident driving my car towards the accident spot. Can you testify this in court to make our case strong?”
Mr. Tiwari said, “Suraj, I already discussed this with my family members seeking their permission, but they are not agreeing. They are saying that the case is against influential people, so there will be a risk and a threat to our family.”
Suraj said, “You are in the police department, and if you are scared then how will you protect common people from bad elements?”
Mr. Tiwari said, “These common people don’t understand the corrupt system managed by white-collar criminals, corrupt politicians and mafias, so being ignorant makes them fearless. I understand this corrupt system very well, both from inside and outside, that is why I am fearful. To win a legal case, these crooks can go to any extent. They can put me behind bars on fake charges or can declare me an insane person. This has already happened with one of the constables working with the Mumbai Police. As you very well know, in this case, a drunk celebrity having a huge fan following killed poor people sleeping on the footpath by running his car over them. I have to worry about my family members as I am the only earning member. I hope you won’t mind, but I cannot help you.”
Mr. Tiwari continued saying, “As your elder and a well-wisher, I suggest you withdraw the case. By the grace of God, now you are alive, so there is no point in wasting your time and energy in taking revenge. Don’t give importance to your ego; focus on your career and spend quality time with your family.”
Suraj said, “Mr. Tiwari, thanks for your suggestion. It does not matter whether the individual wins or loses, it is always important that justice must win and justice should prevail for the benefit of the larger good. The country should be run by the rule of law and not by people having muscle and money power. Mr. Tiwari, I understand that you are scared; I will not force you to support me.”
Suraj, Vijay, and Seema left Mr. Tiwari’s home.
It was 10th October, the hearing date.
Before entering the court, Khurana said to Suraj, “We were waiting for your call until today morning, but as was expected you did not call.”
Khurana further asked, “Still, I am giving you a last chance. What is your final decision about our offer of ₹ 2 crores to withdraw the case? In fact, if you wish we can increase the amount. You can tell me now before we enter the courtroom.”
Suraj said, “Mr. Khurana, my answer is still no. Please note that I cannot compromise my soul or the inner consciousness inside us which we all have in the form of Supreme Soul or God to guide us to follow the righteous and virtuous path. The only difference between you and me is that my inner consciousness is still alive and guiding me to follow this path, but sadly your inner consciousness is dead because of your greed for money. Although you look human, you are actually controlled by the devil. In spite of corrupt lawyers like you, I still have faith in the judiciary of the country and will fight for it to prevail.”
Khurana said, “You are not taking a wise decision by rejecting our offer of ₹ 2 crores. You have insulted me by saying that my inner consciousness is dead, and I am a devil and greedy person. Now you see what this devil will do to you in today’s hearing. I will not spare you. Today we will use our biggest missile which will make you a beggar. We will file a defamation case against you under Section 499 of the IPC.”
The Court started the hearing.
The Judge asked Gulshan, “Mr. Narang, I hope you are well prepared today with evidence and witnesses.”
Gulshan said, “Your Honour, we are trying our best and need three more months.”
&nb
sp; The Judge became angry and rebuked Gulshan, “No, we cannot allow more time; you cannot waste the court’s time by asking for an extension. There are millions of cases pending just because of novice lawyers like you who never come to court well prepared.”
The Judge asked, “Mr. Khurana, do you have anything to say before I write my final judgement?”
Khurana said, “Your Honour, you have given enough time to the opposition lawyer. Now it’s my turn, and I will tell you the motive behind this whole case. This was a pre-planned accident to claim insurance money. Actually, Suraj and his brother Vijay have cheated and defrauded the insurance companies as per Section 420 of the IPC to claim ₹ 50 lakh life insurance and ₹ 5 lakh car insurance. We have been approached by both insurance companies to file cheating cases against Suraj and Vijay.”
Gulshan and all the others present in the courtroom were shocked to hear these new charges and allegations of Khurana.
Khurana continued saying. “Suraj and his brother arranged a dead body and planned an accident of the car to claim both life and car insurance. We need to investigate how they managed this and need some time to collect evidence and bring witnesses to court.”
Khurana said, “Also, my clients are planning to file a defamation case for ₹ 10 crores against Suraj and his brother Vijay. Because of fake sting operation CDs, my clients, who are respectable people in the society, have lost their reputation.
Suraj’s banks have also approached me to file the home and car loan default and recovery cases against Suraj.”
Suraj, Vijay, Seema, and Gulshan were shocked to hear about these new cases.
The Judge said, “For justice to prevail, we need substantial evidence to ensure that the innocent are protected by law. So again following the principles of natural justice, I am giving one last chance to Mr. Narang to present more facts, evidence, and witnesses to this court. Otherwise, in the next hearing after one month, I will dismiss the case.”
The Judge continued saying, “About the new charges informed to this court by Mr. Khurana against Suraj and Vijay who cheated the insurance companies, and defamation claim of ₹ 10 crores, I request Mr. Khurana to file these cases before the next hearing.”
Khurana was happy with the decision and said to the judge, “Your Honour, I am surprised at your decision to give one more chance to Mr. Narang to come up with evidence and witnesses which was not required, but still I respect your decision to uphold the judiciary.”
Gulshan, Suraj, Vijay, and Seema were very sad. Gulshan said, “Sorry Suraj, I was not able to fight well for you because we lack evidence and witnesses.”
Suraj said, “I can understand your position.”
Meanwhile, Khurana came up to them and said, “As you don’t have any evidence and witnesses to defend your case, so now forget about your attempt to murder case. It will be better if you all focus on protecting yourself against the cases of cheating and fraud from life and car insurance companies; defamation case of ₹ 10 crores; home, and car loan default and recovery cases. Still, I am giving you the last chance for a settlement in this case; otherwise, all of you will be in deep trouble.”
Suraj said, “Mr. Khurana, it’s better you leave us alone, we have already told you that we will not compromise with our inner consciousness. We know that truth always prevails, but the only thing required is patience and a positive attitude. Today was your day, so I suggest you celebrate with your clients.”
Khurana left the place, anger writ large on his face.
39
Ray of Hope
N ow Suraj, Vijay, Seema, and Gulshan were thinking of how to handle these new cases of cheating and fraud, loan recovery and defaults, and defamation case of ₹ 10 crores.
Suraj asked Vijay, “What did you do with the life and car insurance claim amounts?”
Vijay said, “I received a total of ₹ 50 lakh, net ₹ 46 lakh from the life insurance company after paying a bribe of ₹ 4 lakh to its officers through agents, introduced by Sanjay, to clear the claim file and net ₹ 4 lakh from the car insurance company after paying a bribe of ₹ 1 lakh. I paid this ₹ 50 lakh to get the job of a police inspector.”
Suraj asked, “You mean you got your job through corrupt practices instead on the basis of merits.”
Seema, hearing this conversation between Suraj and Vijay was surprised by this revelation.
Vijay said, “Suraj, I cleared my written examination, physical tests, and interview. There were only ten vacancies for the post of inspector. Around one lakh candidates appeared, and only fifteen hundred reached the final level. Tout of the ruling party politician told me that only candidates who would pay a bribe of ₹ 50 lakh could get this job. He further told me that after becoming a police inspector, I could easily recover this money within two to three years, as in the police department there is a lot of scope for extra income. I paid ₹ 5 lakh to the tout for his services, which I borrowed from a friend. I admit that I paid a bribe to get this job; whether wrong or right, the important thing is finally I got the job.”
Seema said, “Vijay, that means you are also part of this corrupt system against which Suraj is fighting. You never told me that you got your job this way.”
Vijay said, “Knowing that you do not like this type of corrupt practices, I hid this fact from you. But now I have realised I made a mistake, so I am honestly disclosing everything without any hesitation and worry about the consequences of what you and Suraj will think about me. After reading Suraj’s diaries and understanding the concept of self-reform, I want to follow the righteous path to become a good human being.”
Gulshan asked Vijay, “How much money have you recovered so far through extra income?”
Vijay said, “In the last few months ₹ 5 lakh, which I returned to my friend who helped me to give money to the tout.”
Suraj said, “We are fighting against a corrupt system, but sadly we have a corrupt person in our own family.”
Seema said, “Vijay, I was not expecting this from you.”
Seema became angry with Vijay. She said, “This is the second incident which is showing me your true colours. I cannot believe you any further.”
Vijay was speechless. He was not able to look straight in the eyes of Suraj or Seema.
Suraj asked, “Gulshan, now what steps should we take to defend ourselves in these new cases?”
Gulshan said, “The only way is to return the money to the insurance companies and banks.”
Suraj said, “But from where will we arrange this huge amount of money? Right now, I am struggling to find a job.”
Gulshan said, “You can sell your apartment to return the loan to the bank.”
Suraj asked Vijay, “What is the status of the apartment? Can we sell it?”
Vijay said, “Apartment is in bank’s possession. They have locked it. The bank is trying to auction it to recover the loan amount, but the real estate market is in a bad situation, so they are not finding any buyer in the market.”
Suraj asked, “Why has the bank locked it?”
Vijay said, “Because I was not able to pay the loan instalments for a few months, the bank’s legal department sent many demand notices with a penalty and finally locked up the apartment to auction it.”
Suraj asked Gulshan, “We have no money. Now tell me, how can we handle these cases?”
Gulshan said, “Give me some time to think about it. We need to prove that our attempt to murder charges were right and we had no intention of cheating insurance companies and banks. It is a challenging situation, but we need to be positive to fight our court battle.”
Suraj looked tense and said, “Gulshan, let us meet after a week. Meanwhile, you think of some way to come out of this challenging situation. I shall also discuss with Guruji to see if he has any solution.”
In the evening Suraj went to the ashram and apprised Guruji of all that had happened in the court.
Guruji said, “Ups and downs are part and parcel of life. When up in life, be down-to-earth an
d when down in life, be hopeful. These are the obstacles in your way. Success comes to those who take these obstacles as challenges and apply creativity and intellect to face these challenges.”
Suraj said, “Guruji, you are right that overcoming challenges makes us strong; but we should have that level of intellect and capability to think of creative and practical solutions. We are exhausted now. I cannot see any ray of hope. As a mentor, please guide us in this difficult situation.”
40
Fraud and Defamation Case
I t was 15th November.
The Court hearing had just started.
Khurana said, “Your Honour, today I will produce evidence and witnesses to prove that Suraj and Vijay have perpetrated frauds with life and car insurance companies. My first witness is General Manager, Mr. Rohan Ahuja from the life insurance company.”
Khurana asked, “Mr. Ahuja, can you explain to this court why and how you paid the insurance claim to Suraj’s nominee Priya?”
Mr. Ahuja said, “Vijay along with his sister-in-law Priya came to my office with the death certificate of Suraj issued by the local municipal authority and duly certified by a government gazetted officer. We cleared the claim file and issued a claim payment of ₹ 50 lakh. After seeing that Suraj is alive, we have realised that Suraj and Vijay have cheated us using Priya as the nominee. We have already filed an FIR against Suraj, Vijay, and Priya to recover the insurance claim money.”
Similarly, Mr. Khurana called representatives of the car insurance company and banks to the witness box and questioned them about their recovery claims.
The Judge asked Gulshan, “Mr. Narang, do you want to ask anything from any of the witnesses?”
Gulshan said, “Yes, Your Honour.”
Gulshan called Mr. Ahuja to the witness box and asked, “Mr. Ahuja, a death certificate was issued by the government agency; then what is the confusion? Are you trying to say that the death certificate is fake?”