The chief justice of India (CJI), Justice Surya Kant, on Tuesday highlighted the growing scale and sophistication of cybercrime, warning that the gap between the speed of digital fraud and institutional response remains a critical vulnerability.
Delivering the 22nd DP Kohli Memorial Lecture organised by the central bureau of investigation (CBI) in New Delhi, CJI Kant described cybercrime as a 'transnational, fast-paced and anonymous threat' that is outpacing conventional enforcement frameworks. He said such offences not only impact financial systems but also undermine individual dignity, autonomy and public confidence.
Emphasising that institutional strength must flow from public trust rather than authority alone, the CJI pointed to the mismatch between the real-time execution of cybercrimes and the often delayed and fragmented response of institutions. He called for a transition towards real-time, coordinated and technology-driven responses, with seamless information sharing among banks, telecom service providers, digital platforms and law enforcement agencies.
CJI Kant stressed the importance of adopting automated detection systems, early-warning mechanisms and integrated command structures, along with strengthening capacity in digital forensics, cyber intelligence and specialised training within investigative agencies. He said effectively addressing cybercrime would require a coordinated, anticipatory and collaborative approach supported by judicial adaptability and robust technological safeguards, identifying capacity building, collaboration and technology-led governance as key priorities.
Referring to the evolving digital landscape as a 'vast ocean of opportunity' alongside hidden risks, he said the police and judiciary must function as 'twin pillars' in safeguarding society in the digital age.
The remarks come amid a rise in digital arrest scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials and coerce victims into transferring money under the threat of legal action. Courts and enforcement agencies have flagged the growing scale of such frauds, which have resulted in significant financial losses and often target vulnerable individuals, including senior citizens.
On the occasion, the CBI launched ‘Abhay’, an artificial intelligence-based chatbot designed to help citizens verify the authenticity of official communications and protect themselves against cyber fraud. The tool is intended to counter the misuse of fake notices issued in the name of investigative agencies by enabling users to confirm whether a communication has genuinely been issued by the CBI. Officials indicated that such verification mechanisms, including QR code-based validation of notices, are expected to strengthen safeguards against impersonation-based fraud.
CJI Kant noted that such initiatives could play an important role in preventing misuse and enhancing public trust, while emphasising the need for wider awareness and accessibility of these tools.
The chief justice also conferred the Police Medal for Meritorious Service on 23 CBI personnel on the occasion. CBI director Praveen Sood welcomed the Chief Justice and other dignitaries. The event, held as part of the agency’s Raising Day observance in memory of its founding director DP Kohli, was attended by judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, senior officials from Central agencies and law enforcement bodies and was webcast across the country.
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