‘Think Before You Click’: CJI urges vigilance as cyber fraud cases cross 66L

Jaipur: Urging the need for various stakeholders to work together to curb the menace of cyber crime, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant Friday stated that cyber crime is not just a crime, as it is loot, extortion and dacoity. The CJI called for heightened digital awareness, warning that cyber fraud has evolved into a "mass phenomenon" affecting millions across the country.He spoke as the chief guest at the 3-day national conference on "Cyber Safety: Awareness, Protection and Inclusive Access to Justice" at the Rajasthan International Centre here, organised by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority (RSLSA).
Addressing a gathering, the CJI emphasised the need for caution in the digital age. "All of you will remember we were taught in our childhood — pehle socho phir bolo (think before you speak), samjho phir chalo (understand before you act). These are also relevant in the digital world. Where decisions are made in a click and harm can travel at the speed of light, this simple discipline becomes a form of protection," CJI Kant said.Highlighting the alarming rise in cyber offences, the CJI referred to data released by the ministry of home affairs, stating that over 66 lakh cyber fraud complaints are currently pending nationwide. "Cyber fraud is no longer a marginal problem. It is a mass phenomenon that is engaging global attention," he observed. "Whatever role the judiciary can play, we will leave no stones unturned," he added."When an elderly citizen loses his life long saving from impersonation scam, the injury is not just financial as it is emotional, social and institutional," the CJI said. The CJI stressed that cyber crime, like deepfake videos or content, affects one's dignity and safety.Sharing a personal example, the CJI revealed how fraudulent websites were being frequently created in his name using publicly available photographs. "Every alternate day, I find that a new site is created in my name… and those sites are used to send different kinds of messages. This is the complexity of this offence," he said. "My relatives and well wishers keep sending me the information on these fake websites made in my name. After it was investigated, it was found to be done from Nigeria," the CJI added.He underlined the role of legal institutions in addressing cyber threats, questioning why State Legal Services Authorities must step in. Referring to Article 39A of the Constitution, he stressed the responsibility to ensure access to justice and free legal aid in socio-legal issues. "Whatever role the judiciary can play in getting this menace out of the country, we will not leave any stone unturned," he asserted.Earlier, speaking at the function, chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma announced the opening of cyber courts in Rajasthan to tackle the menace. "We will open special cyber courts in Rajasthan. Whoever indulges in cyber crime won't be spared," Sharma said.