SILCHAR, ASSAM: In a strong message against professional forgery, a local court in Silchar, Cachar district, has sentenced a man to six months of imprisonment for practicing as a lawyer using a forged degree.
The convict, identified as Altaf Hussain Barbhuiya, a resident of Saidpur Part 4, was found guilty of using counterfeit educational documents to enroll and practice as an advocate within the Cachar court complex. The verdict was delivered by the Court of First Class Judicial Magistrate–IV on Wednesday (November 26, 2025).
Details of the Decade-Old Fraud
The case, which dates back to 2008, came to light when the Advocates’ Bar Association raised concerns about the legitimacy of Barbhuiya’s educational qualifications.
- The Deception: Barbhuiya claimed to possess a first-division LLB degree, allowing him to practice law for several years.
- The Investigation: Upon receiving a complaint, the Bar Association contacted Karimganj Law College, which confirmed that while Barbhuiya briefly attended classes, he had never appeared for or qualified in the final examination. His certificate was officially declared fake.
Following the confirmation of fraud, the Association lodged an FIR, and the subsequent police investigation and trial led to the recent conviction. Barbhuiya was also slapped with a fine of ₹10,000, with an additional three months of jail time mandated if he fails to pay.
Bar Association Seeks Stricter Punishment
Reacting to the conviction, the Advocates’ Bar Association President, Ashok Ray, welcomed the ruling but indicated that the punishment should have been more stringent given the seriousness and long-term nature of the offence. The association has stated its intent to appeal the verdict to seek an enhancement of the sentence.
This sentencing serves as a significant legal victory in the region, coming shortly after the Cachar Police launched its highly-publicized and ongoing crackdown that has led to the arrest of over 18 fake doctors. The action underscores a rising zero-tolerance policy against fraudulent professionals in Cachar.
