India's Department of Telecommunications ordered the blocking of 129 gambling websites based on forged court orders issued in the names of the Rajasthan and Allahabad High Courts, according to a Reuters investigation. The revelation has prompted a police investigation into at least one case.

A Reuters report published on Wednesday, November 11, revealed that two fake court orders were used to persuade government authorities to block the websites in two separate operations.

Fake documents carried court seals and national emblem

The Reuters investigation found that both orders, supposedly issued by the Rajasthan and Allahabad High Courts, were completely fabricated.

The forged documents reportedly contained court seals, India's national emblem and fake QR codes to make them appear authentic. However, searches of the relevant court records found no evidence that either order had been issued.

According to the report, the Department of Telecommunications acted on the documents on July 21 and September 2.

The first order instructed authorities to block 34 gambling websites, while the second sought action against another 95. Together, the two orders resulted in blocking 129 websites.

Police investigation launched after Reuters report

After Reuters brought the alleged forgery to light, the Allahabad High Court filed a complaint with police on November 6.

An investigation has been launched against unidentified individuals over suspected forgery and fraud. No arrests had been reported at the time of publication.

The Rajasthan High Court has also confirmed that the order circulated in its name was fake. Court officials said no such directive existed in the court's official records.

The incident has raised concerns about the use of forged legal documents to influence important decisions within India's government departments.

Investigators are now expected to examine who created the fake orders, how they were submitted to the telecommunications authorities and why the gambling websites were targeted.

The motive behind the alleged forgery and the identities of those responsible remain unclear.