The Supreme Court refused to consolidate 35 cybercrime cases against two people across 12 states. The bench called these crimes "digital dacoity" and said, "There is no question of giving any judicial forum to such persons." Investigations will continue in each state, as the court prioritised the victims' rights.
The Supreme Court refused to consolidate 35 cybercrime cases against two accused across 12 states. The ruling prioritises victims and state investigations amid concern over organised digital arrest rackets.
The Supreme Court has refused to consolidate 35 cybercrime cases pending against two people across 12 states for allegedly allowing their company's account to be used as a mule account in return for a commission, the Press Trust of India reported.
Describing cybercrime as "digital dacoity", the court strongly condemned organised rackets that target senior citizens through so-called digital arrests and said those involved must face stringent action.
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana declined to hear the plea filed by Gourab Kumar Saha and Nidhi Bhandari. "Digital arrests and such cyber offences are digital dacoity there is no question of giving any judicial forum to such persons," the bench said.
Referring to one of the alleged offences, the Chief Justice said, "An 81-year-old from Ernakulam (Kerala) was defrauded of Rs 1.90 crore and his money was deposited in your mule account," according to PTI.
"You decided to use the account of your company for cybercrime like digital arrest," the bench said while refusing to entertain the plea.
The court also refused to allow the accused to use the proceedings to disrupt investigations in different states. Justice Bagchi asked why victims should be forced to travel to Delhi merely for the convenience of an accused seeking to consolidate the cases.
"Your right to seek transfer of cases to a place of your convenience cannot override the right of the victims and the investigating agency We can consider if Delhi Police says so for the convenience of investigation. We do not take your weight to dilute the investigation across the country," Justice Bagchi said.
The Chief Justice also asked whether a victim whose defrauded money had been deposited in Hong Kong and Bangkok could be asked to travel there for redress. The petitioners eventually withdrew their plea.
The 35 cybercrime cases against the accused are pending in 12 states, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Telangana and Gujarat. The Supreme Court's refusal to consolidate them means the investigations will continue in the respective states.