Aman, also known as Morris Christian, has been arrested for running an unauthorized court in Gujarat. He was taken into custody following a directive from a local court that ordered an investigation into his operation of a fraudulent arbitration tribunal in Gandhinagar, as reported by the Times of India.
Background of the Case
Investigations revealed that Morris lacked a valid license to practice law. The civil court initiated an FIR against him and his associates after an order he issued regarding land belonging to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) was challenged. The court discovered that Morris had issued a ruling favoring claimants seeking to acquire land valued at over ₹100 crore. The court declared his order from the fake tribunal as “void ab initio” and “not enforceable,” emphasizing that Morris had illegally appointed himself as an arbitrator.
Previous Offenses
This incident is not Morris’s first offense. He had previously served three months in jail in 2007 for similar activities. He falsely claimed to have a degree from a non-existent international law university and asserted he held a license from an imaginary “International Bar Council.” Morris practiced law by forging academic certificates and degrees, as noted by Anil Kella, an advocate and chairman of the Bar Council of Gujarat’s finance committee.
Ongoing Legal Issues
For the past five years, people have challenged Morris’s rulings and awards as an arbitrator, and he has attracted the attention of local courts. Despite being subject to contempt proceedings and having his office—disguised as a court—sealed by the district collector in the past, he continued his illegal activities until recently.
The Gujarat High Court had previously stayed several decrees issued by him. The civil court has now called out his fraudulent practices, highlighting that he had disposed of approximately 500 cases each month.
Court Findings and Arrest
During the latest hearing, Morris defended himself by claiming membership in the Indian Council of Arbitration, which he argued granted him the authority to issue orders. However, Judge CL Chovatiya found his arguments unconvincing. The judge stated, “Despite past contempt proceedings, Morris has continued his illegal activities, establishing a setup resembling a court of law and managing all administrative functions himself.”
The court has ordered the registrar to file an FIR against Morris and his associates under multiple sections, including 420 (cheating) and 120B (criminal conspiracy), leading to his arrest. The judge emphasized that Morris’s primary intention was to illegally acquire government land, and he acted as a self-appointed judge, issuing ex parte orders without following legal protocols.
Conclusion
Morris Christian’s operation of a fake court has raised significant legal concerns in Gujarat, highlighting the risks of unauthorized legal practices. His case serves as a reminder of the importance of legitimate legal authority and the consequences of fraud in the judicial system.
