The Delhi High Court has recently addressed a petition regarding the rise of “new age” cyber crimes, particularly focusing on the issue of “digital arrests”. Advocates Akshya and Urvashi Bhatia filed the petition, seeking directions to increase awareness and simplify procedures for filing complaints related to cyber crimes. They raised concerns about the perpetrators of cyber crimes utilizing sophisticated tactics to exploit the system, such as forging court orders, including those from the Supreme Court, FIRs, and arrest warrants to extort money from innocent citizens.
The petition brought to light a specific case where one of the petitioners encountered a forged and fabricated warrant of arrest, purportedly issued by a Delhi court as part of a “digital arrest” cyber scam. The petitioners emphasized the urgent need to address the rapidly increasing and evolving menace of cyber crimes, particularly the emerging threat of digital arrest scams that endanger the integrity and functionality of the criminal justice system.
During the court proceedings, the advocates highlighted instances of criminals impersonating government and police officials to deceive the public and exploit their trust in institutions. This manipulation of trust has resulted in severe consequences, further underscoring the importance of addressing and combating cyber crimes.
In response to the petition, the Delhi High Court requested the Centre to provide a response within four weeks and scheduled the case for further hearing on March 19. The court’s decision reflects a proactive approach to addressing the complex and constantly evolving nature of cyber crimes, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the integrity of the justice system and protect innocent individuals from falling victim to such malicious activities.
As technology continues to advance, so do the tactics employed by cyber criminals, posing new challenges for law enforcement agencies and judicial systems. The petitioners’ plea for increased awareness and streamlined procedures to combat cyber crimes is a step towards empowering individuals and institutions to effectively respond to and prevent such fraudulent activities.
The court’s decision to prioritize this issue and seek a comprehensive response from the Centre underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for concerted action to address cyber crimes effectively. By raising awareness, simplifying complaint procedures, and enforcing stringent measures against perpetrators, society can work together to thwart cyber criminals and ensure the safety and security of individuals in the digital age.
Overall, the Delhi High Court’s attention to the petition on cyber crimes, including digital arrests, signifies a commitment to upholding justice and combatting emerging threats in the digital landscape. Through collaboration, awareness, and swift action, stakeholders can work towards creating a safer and more secure environment for all individuals in the face of evolving cyber challenges.