Rajasthan High Court Directs Re-Evaluation Of Victims' Injuries After Accused Alleges Gross Exaggeration, Falsification Of Medical Report
The Rajasthan High Court recently directed medical re-evaluation of two persons who were allegedly injured by a man, after he claimed that the victims' injuries have been "grossly exaggerated" in order to falsely elevate the severity of offences alleged against him.
The bench of Justice Farjand Ali observed that allegations made by the petitioner–accused of causing injuries to victims–who had questioned the veracity of the medical evidence could not be brushed aside lightly. It was held that interests of justice did not lie solely in prosecution but also in the overarching pursuit of truth.
The Court was hearing a petition filed by an accused alleging that the charges against him were malicious, constructed through political influence by a doctored and exaggerated medico-legal report.
"Upon a careful and nuanced review of the facts, this Court is struck by the gravity of the petitioner's assertions, especially the claim that the victims' injuries have been grossly exaggerated in a concerted effort to falsely elevate the severity of the offence. The Court, having considered the procedural and factual underpinnings of the case, is of the firm view that the allegations, which question the veracity of the medical evidence, cannot be brushed aside lightly. If, indeed, there is a genuine concern about the falsification of medical reports, it falls squarely within the purview of a thorough and impartial investigation. The technicalities surrounding the nature and severity of the injuries require expert opinion, and the formation of a medical board will serve as a critical mechanism for ensuring that justice is dispensed without prejudice".
A plea was made by the petitioner before the Superintendent of Police seeking formation of a specialized medical board to independently re-examine and ascertain the authenticity and gravity of the injuries in a transparent manner. This was forwarded to the Chief Medical and Health officer who declined the request.
The petitioner the Magistrate also rejected the application. In this light, the petition was filed before the Court.
After hearing the contention the Court said that it was “struck” by the gravity of the petitioner's assertions and observed that re-examination of injuries would serve dual purpose.
“Firstly, it provides an opportunity to validate the existing medico-legal reports, thereby ensuring that the evidence presented is not tainted by manipulation. Secondly, if the medical board identifies discrepancies or inconsistencies in the earlier reports, it will be imperative to correct these findings, as the integrity of the case depends heavily on the authenticity of the medical evidence.”
In this light, the Court held that owing to the serious allegation of medical falsification, it was necessary to intervene in the interests of justice and that the Magistrate erred in rejecting the request of the petitioner.
Accordingly, the petition was allowed, and the Court directed the District Magistrate in collaboration with Chief Medical and health Officer to immediately constitute a medical board and undertake an independent re-examination of the victim's injuries within 7 days.
Title: Ajeet Singh v State of Rajasthan & Ors.
Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Raj) 110