Disputes over money and property sometimes involve allegations of cheating, criminal breach of trust or forgery. Courts distinguish carefully between a genuine criminal offence and a civil dispute, such as a breach of contract, presented as a crime.
We help complainants present a clear, documented complaint, and we defend persons accused in such cases.
What this covers
- Complaints of cheating and criminal breach of trust
- Forgery and use of forged documents
- Property and investment fraud
- Defence and bail for accused persons
- Quashing of proceedings that disclose only a civil dispute
How the process generally works
- Gather documents
Agreements, payment records, messages and correspondence form the backbone of these cases.
- Civil, criminal or both
We assess whether the facts support a criminal case, a civil claim for recovery, or both.
- File or defend
We file the complaint before the police or Magistrate, or represent the accused at bail, trial or in quashing proceedings.
Relevant law
- BNS section 318: cheating (formerly section 420 IPC)
- BNS section 316: criminal breach of trust (formerly section 406 IPC)
- BNS provisions on forgery and use of forged documents
Common questions
Is every failure to repay money cheating?
No. Cheating generally requires a dishonest or fraudulent intention at the time of the inducement. A later failure to pay may be a civil wrong rather than a crime.