Cybercrime – CJI Flags Rising Digital Fraud Threat Nationwide
Cybercrime – Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday sounded a strong warning over the increasing spread of cybercrime across the country, disclosing that he himself has been impersonated online by fraudsters. His remarks came during the inauguration of a three-day cybersecurity seminar in Jaipur, where legal experts, government officials and technology professionals gathered to discuss emerging digital threats.
Fake Websites Using CJI’s Identity
Speaking at the event, the Chief Justice revealed that fraudulent websites bearing his name have surfaced repeatedly. According to him, new online platforms misusing his identity appear frequently, attempting to mislead unsuspecting individuals.
He shared a recent instance in which a young woman, whom he described as being like a family member, received messages from a website falsely claiming to represent him. Although the language used was not abusive, the episode underscored how easily public figures can be impersonated in the digital space.
The matter was promptly reported to cybercrime authorities. Investigations later traced the operators to Nigeria, highlighting the international dimension of such offences. The Chief Justice noted that cybercrime rarely respects geographical borders, making enforcement and accountability significantly more complex.
Expanding Nature of Digital Offences
While describing artificial intelligence as a powerful tool that can improve access to justice and streamline court processes, the Chief Justice cautioned that technology also presents serious risks. He pointed out that cyber offences are no longer limited to financial fraud but are increasingly eroding public trust in digital platforms.
According to figures cited during the seminar, nearly 6.6 million cybercrime complaints are currently pending across India. The volume of cases, he said, reflects both the scale of the problem and the urgent need for coordinated action among agencies.
He emphasized that digital literacy and awareness, especially in regional languages, remain critical in preventing fraud. Many victims, he observed, struggle to identify warning signs due to unfamiliarity with online systems or limited understanding of technical terminology.
Digital Arrest Scam Raises Alarm
Referring to a recent case that drew judicial attention, the Chief Justice spoke about an elderly couple who reportedly lost their life savings in what has been described as a “digital arrest” scam. In such schemes, fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials and coerce victims into transferring funds under false threats.
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the issue after the complaint came to light. The Chief Justice stated that he has issued strict directions in the matter and continues to monitor developments closely. He affirmed that the judiciary would pursue every available legal avenue to curb such crimes and protect citizens from exploitation.
Data presented during the seminar suggested that cybercriminals have siphoned off approximately Rs 55,000 crore from people across the country. The Chief Justice described the losses as a clear form of extortion and digital robbery, affecting ordinary families and undermining financial security.
State Government Announces Special Court
The event was also attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, who reiterated the state government’s commitment to combating cyber offences. He announced plans to establish a dedicated cyber court aimed at expediting cases related to digital crimes.
The proposed court is expected to strengthen prosecution mechanisms and ensure faster resolution of complaints. The Chief Minister stressed that offenders would face legal consequences regardless of whether crimes are committed physically or online.
The seminar concluded its opening session with a call for stronger collaboration between the judiciary, law enforcement agencies and cybersecurity experts. As digital adoption continues to expand across India, officials agreed that safeguarding online spaces is essential to maintaining public confidence and protecting citizens from evolving threats.