Background and Timeline: On February 7, 2026, a single bench of Justice Ravi Chirania at the Rajasthan High Court issued strict directions regarding cybercrime prevention infrastructure. The court was hearing bail petitions of accused individuals when it flagged the lack of tangible progress by the state. Senior officials, including the ACS Home, were summoned to provide an immediate status report on remaining steps.
Modus Operandi: The court identified that administrative delays were hindering the establishment of a centralized Cyber Crime Control Centre. It expressed dissatisfaction that despite repeated directions, a suitable facility had not yet been established to coordinate the state’s response. Justice Chirania observed that digital scams pose a significant threat to our interconnected world and require a multi-faceted infrastructure response.
Victims and Financial Impact: Not applicable (Judicial mandate). However, the court’s intervention aims to protect thousands of innocent victims who fall prey to digital frauds every year. ACS Home Bhaskar Sawant stated that the proposed control center would require 10,000 square feet of space. The court assured that appropriate judicial orders can be passed to identify a building if administrative difficulties persist.
Investigation and Agencies Involved: The Rajasthan High Court demanded a comprehensive affidavit detailing compliance with each judicial direction within 15 days. Senior officials from the state Home Department and the Law Secretary were tasked with procuring digital forensic equipment and blocking SIM cards. The court also addressed the shortage of manpower in the cyber wing of the Forensic Science Laboratory.
Arrests and Suspects: To ensure effective prosecution, the state informed the court that a decision was taken to appoint specialized government prosecutors for cybercrime cases. These appointments will include one prosecutor at each district headquarters and at the Jaipur and Jodhpur benches. All appointments are expected to be completed within 15 days to handle the rising volume of arrests.
Broader Implications and Trends: The court’s intervention highlights that digital scams are now viewed as one of the “most insidious” forms of cybercrime, requiring a multi-pronged response. It signals a move toward judicial oversight of executive performance in building cybersecurity infrastructure. This case reflects a broader trend of Indian courts taking a proactive role in directing digital safety.