Fake magistrate! Chandigarh man arguing with cops caught on camera, booked for impersonation

A man named Prakash Singh Marwah was driving a Mahindra Scorpio when he was stopped by police for concealing part of his number plate. The incident escalated when Marwah argued with officers and refused to show his license, ultimately driving away arrogantly.

Traffic Violations Lead to Confrontation

Marwah was stopped because his SUV's number plate, bearing the registration "CH01 CT2548," was partially obscured by a cloth. This obstruction prompted police officers to signal him to stop. Instead of complying, Marwah skipped a traffic signal, changed lanes erratically, and parked on a zebra crossing, all of which are traffic violations.

A video of Chandigarh recorded by a Traffic Police constable is going viral on social media! What do you think—who is wrong and who is right ??#chandigarh pic.twitter.com/Jutel3bbei

— Gagandeep Singh (@Gagan4344) May 20, 2024

When officers approached him, Marwah argued and refused to show his driving license. He even made a phone call to someone he claimed was influential. Visuals of the confrontation, which surfaced online, show Marwah arguing with police and fleeing without complying with their request.

False Claims of Authority

During the altercation, Marwah falsely claimed to be a magistrate and cited non-existent legal references to challenge the officers' authority. He stated, "Nahi dikhaunga. Do you know under Section 13 (2) of the Motor Vehicle Act a constable (shipai) cannot ask someone to show their license? Do you know this? No, you don't know this."

This claim was fabricated. The Motor Vehicles Act does not have a Section 13 (2), and the actual Section 13 does not restrict officers from asking for a driver's license. It states that a learner's or driving license issued under the Act is effective throughout India.

Arrest and Charges

Marwah was eventually arrested and identified as a lawyer residing in Sector 51 of Chandigarh. The police tracked him down using his vehicle registration. He was charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code: Section 170 for pretending to hold a public office, Section 186 for obstructing a public servant, and Section 419 for cheating by impersonation. The arrest was carried out by the Chandigarh Sector-49 police station.

The incident highlights the importance of adhering to traffic laws and the potential legal consequences of falsely claiming authority and obstructing law enforcement officers.