February 22, 2026 : Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant on Saturday raised serious concerns over the sharp rise in cybercrime, stating that digital offences in India have become organised and international in nature.
He was speaking at a three-day national conference on “Cyber Safety: Awareness, Protection, and Inclusive Access to Justice” organised by the Rajasthan State Legal Services Authority.
Sharing a personal experience, the CJI revealed that fake websites are frequently created using his name. He said that almost every other day, well-wishers inform him about a new website operating in his name. In several instances, photographs available in the public domain were used to make these sites appear official, and misleading messages were circulated from them.
He said the matter became particularly alarming when one such fake website sent inappropriate messages to his sister and to a lawyer who resembles his daughter. Because of the objectionable language used, he immediately alerted the Cyber Crime Branch.
The investigation found that the websites were being operated from Nigeria. The CJI observed that cybercrime has no geographical boundaries and can be run from anywhere in the world.
Describing “digital arrest” as a new form of extortion and robbery, Justice Surya Kant referred to a complaint from an elderly couple whose life savings were siphoned off within minutes through online fraud. Taking suo motu cognizance of the issue, he said he is personally monitoring the matter and has passed strict orders to address such crimes.
He pointed out that nearly ₹55,000 crore has been defrauded from ordinary citizens across the country. “I used the word ‘loot’ in the last hearing as well. This is clearly extortion and robbery. Money is being looted in this manner,” he said.
The CJI also thanked Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma for announcing the establishment of a special cyber court in the state, calling it an important step in tackling cyber offences.
Among those present at the event were Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Deputy Chief Ministers Diya Kumari and Premchand Bairwa, Law Minister Jogaram Patel, judges of the Supreme Court and Rajasthan High Court, along with judicial officers, police officials, administrators, and legal experts.
