Rajasthan High Court's Landmark Ruling for Women's Safety and Cyber Security
In a significant move aimed at enhancing women's safety and combating cyber crimes, the Rajasthan High Court has issued comprehensive directives to the state government, including a mandate that ride-booking applications must ensure at least 15% of their drivers are women within the next six months.
The landmark order was delivered by Justice Ravi Chirania on November 29, 2025, while hearing bail applications of two individuals from Gujarat currently imprisoned in Jodhpur Central Jail. The accused faced charges of impersonating law enforcement officers and allegedly extorting Rs 2.02 crore from an elderly couple earlier this year. The court ultimately rejected their bail plea.
Comprehensive Measures Against Cyber Crime
Describing cyber crime as a "new, unstoppable and exponentially growing problem", the court issued a total of 35 directions to various stakeholders including the state government, banks, financial institutions, e-commerce companies, and gig worker platforms.
The court directed the establishment of a Rajasthan Cyber Crime Control Centre, modeled after the central government's Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). Despite the creation of the Director General, Cyber Crimes office in 2024, the court observed that "no proper system is in place to control, investigate cyber crimes and take other measures in the state of Rajasthan."
Highlighting the alarming growth in cyber crimes, the court cited data from the Standing Committee on Home Affairs showing that complaints surged from 26,049 in 2019 to 20,33,316 currently, while FIR conversions increased from 1,032 to 49,532 during the same period.
Enhanced Safety Measures for Women Passengers
In a major push for women's safety in transportation, the court ordered that female passengers must be given preference in ride-booking software to opt for female drivers first. The directive requires ride-hailing companies to achieve 15% female driver representation within six months, with a further increase to 25% targeted over the next 2-3 years.
The court also addressed the broader gig economy, mandating that all gig workers must register with DG Cyber and carry identification cards while performing duties. From February 1 next year, gig workers will be required to wear common uniforms with QR codes and possess valid ID cards that must be produced upon demand by authorities or consumers.
Stricter Financial and SIM Card Regulations
To combat financial fraud, the court ordered that all inactive bank accounts be placed under "strict vigil" and undergo fresh KYC verification. Banking institutions have been instructed to conduct physical inspections of account holders during KYC processes and restrict internet banking facilities for suspicious accounts.
In a significant move to control SIM card misuse, the court ruled that no individual should be issued more than three SIM cards in the state, with any fourth SIM requiring enhanced verification and necessary checks.
The court also directed regulation of second-hand digital device sales and mandated that all gig workers register with the state Transport Department with commercial number plates.
Strengthening Legal and Institutional Framework
To improve prosecution of cyber crimes, the government has been asked to appoint at least one Special Public Prosecutor with technical expertise in each district, along with qualified IT Inspectors capable of handling, monitoring, detecting, preventing, and investigating cyber crimes.
Financial institutions received specific instructions to strictly control and monitor mule accounts using the RBI-developed "Mule Hunter" AI tool and other software solutions to detect suspicious financial activities.
For child safety, the court instructed the government to develop detailed guidelines regarding smartphone and keypad phone usage in schools for students up to class 9 or below 16 years of age.
This comprehensive ruling represents one of the most significant judicial interventions in cyber crime prevention and women's safety measures in recent times, setting important precedents for other states to follow.
