Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, alongside Justice Surya Kant, delivered a stark warning about the alarming rise of cybercrime, particularly highlighting its devastating impact on senior citizens in Bihar. The revelations came during the inauguration of three new court buildings in the state's Aurangabad district.
Shocking Financial Losses Unveiled
Justice Surya Kant, who is also the Executive Chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), presented disturbing figures. He stated that cyber criminals have siphoned off thousands of crores of rupees from elderly citizens in Bihar alone. This massive financial hemorrhage points to a sophisticated and widespread network of fraudsters preying on one of society's most vulnerable groups.
The CJI emphasized that the modern digital landscape, while offering convenience, has become a hunting ground for these criminals. He noted that senior citizens are often specifically targeted due to factors like potential technological unfamiliarity, trust, and sometimes isolation.
A Call for Awareness and Legal Aid
Beyond just exposing the scale of the problem, the top judges outlined a concrete plan of action. Justice Surya Kant announced that NALSA would launch a dedicated campaign to educate senior citizens about cyber fraud. This initiative aims to empower the elderly with knowledge to identify and avoid common online scams.
Furthermore, in a significant move to provide redress, he declared that legal aid would be offered free of cost to all senior citizen victims of cybercrime. This removes a critical financial barrier to justice, encouraging more victims to come forward and seek legal recourse without fear of expense.
Broader Context and Judicial Infrastructure
The event also served to underscore the importance of strengthening judicial infrastructure to handle such modern challenges. The newly inaugurated court buildings in Aurangabad are seen as a step towards improving access to justice. CJI Chandrachud stressed that a robust physical and legal framework is essential to combat complex crimes like cyber fraud effectively.
The judges' comments reflect a growing national concern. Cybercrime, especially financial fraud targeting the elderly, has seen a sharp increase across India. Schemes often involve phishing calls, fake lottery wins, impersonation of government officials, or fraudulent tech support, manipulating victims into transferring money or sharing sensitive financial details.
The intervention by the country's highest judicial authorities signals a serious intent to tackle this issue from both a preventive and remedial standpoint. By combining public awareness drives with accessible legal support, the judiciary aims to build a stronger defense for senior citizens against the pervasive threat of online financial crime.
