Premium

Student withdraws petition from HC after Panjab University finds result notification to be fake

STRAP: Petitioner blames former PU student leader for furnishing forged document; high court closes plea after apology.

Appearing on advance notice, PU counsel Akshay Kumar Goel told the court that the notification Baidwan had attached, dated November 25, 2024, was fake. (File Photo)

In a dramatic turn during a hearing at the Punjab and Haryana High Court, a law student seeking directions to the Panjab University (PU) to release his LLB degree and marksheets withdrew his petition after the university alleged that the result notification he relied on was forged, and that he had probably never even appeared for the exams.

R K Baidwan, the petitioner, had approached the court claiming he had completed his three-year LLB course in May 2023, but the university had failed to issue his degree and detailed marks certificates. Represented by advocate Brijesh and present in person, Baidwan sought court intervention to compel the university to release the documents.

But the tables turned quickly. Appearing on advance notice, PU counsel Akshay Kumar Goel told the court that the notification Baidwan had attached, dated November 25, 2024, was fake.

“It is a forged document bearing three signatures. At no point did the petitioner appear for the LLB examination,” Goel submitted.

Confronted with the allegation in court, Baidwan made a surprising admission. Acting on instructions from his client, advocate Brijesh told the bench of Justice Harsimran Singh Sethi that Baidwan had been “misled” by one Rahul Kumar, who served as the vice-president of the Panjab University Campus Student Council in 2019. Baidwan claimed Kumar had given him the forged notification, and insisted he was unaware that the document was fake.

The petitioner expressed remorse, saying he regretted filing the case based on the forged document. Seeking forgiveness and promising not to repeat the “mistake,” Baidwan prayed for permission to withdraw the petition.

Justice Sethi allowed the withdrawal, disposing of the case and any pending applications.

Story continues below this ad

The court order also noted that the matter was “not pressed any further,” effectively closing the chapter though the question of criminal liability for using a forged document in court may still linger.

Manraj Grewal Sharma

Manraj Grewal Sharma is a senior journalist and the Resident Editor of The Indian Express in Chandigarh, where she leads the newspaper’s coverage of north India’s most politically and institutionally significant regions. From Punjab and Haryana to Himachal Pradesh and the Union Territory of Chandigarh, she oversees reporting at the intersection of governance, law, politics and society. She also reports on the diaspora, especially in Canada and the US. With a career spanning journalism across several countries, academia and international development, Manraj brings a rare depth of perspective to regional reporting. She is widely regarded as a leading chronicler of Punjab’s contemporary history and socio-political evolution, particularly its long shadow of militancy, federal tensions and identity politics. Her book, Dreams after Darkness, remains a definitive account of the militancy years and their enduring aftermath. Professional Background & Expertise A gold medalist in mass communication and a post-graduate in English literature, Manraj has a multifaceted career spanning journalism, academia, and international development. She was also awarded a fellowship by National Foundation of India and did several in-depth pieces on Manipur. Internationally, she has reported from Israel, US, UK, Myanmar, and Mauritius Her key focus areas include: Regional Politics, History, Agriculture, Diaspora, and Security. Of late, she has started focusing on Legal & Judicial Affairs: Much of her recent work involves reporting on high-stakes cases in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, ranging from environmental policy to civil rights. International Consulting: She previously served as a consulting editor for the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network and a publishing consultant for the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila. Academia: For five years, she was the managing editor of Gender, Technology and Development, a peer-reviewed international journal at the Asian Institute of Technology, Bangkok. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Her recent reportage focuses heavily on judicial interventions and regional governance: 1. Environment & Governance "‘NGT can’t test legality of policy’: HC hears challenge to Punjab’s ‘Green Habitat’ plan" (Dec 22, 2025): Covering a critical legal battle over whether the National Green Tribunal has the authority to strike down a state policy regularizing farmhouses on delisted forest land. "High court pulls up Punjab poll panel over audio clip probe" (Dec 10, 2025): Reporting on judicial concerns regarding the transparency and fairness of local body elections. 2. Legal Rights & Social Welfare "HC issues notice to Punjab, Haryana over delay in building old age homes" (Dec 22, 2025): Reporting on a contempt petition against top officials for failing to establish government-run homes for the elderly as promised in 2019. "Victims can appeal acquittals in sessions court without seeking special leave" (Dec 19, 2025): Highlighting a significant procedural shift in criminal law following a Supreme Court ruling. "HC upholds benefits for Punjab FCI officer acquitted in 20-year-old bribery case" (Dec 19, 2025): A report on the concept of "honourable acquittal" and its impact on employee benefits. 3. Human Rights & Identity "As Punjab denies parole to MP Amritpal Singh, HC asks it to submit ‘foundational material’" (Dec 1, 2025): Covering the legal proceedings regarding the radical preacher and sitting MP's request to attend Parliament. "Protecting life paramount: HC backs Muslim woman in live-in after verbal divorce" (Nov 6, 2025): Analyzing judicial protections for personal liberty in the context of traditional practices. Signature Beats Manraj is recognized for her ability to decode complex judicial rulings and relate them to the everyday lives of citizens. Whether it is a 30-year-old land battle in Fazilka or the political implications of Kangana Ranaut’s candidacy in Mandi, her writing provides deep historical and regional context. Contact @grewal_sharma on X manrajgrewalsharma on Instagram ... Read More

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram