In a shocking case of administrative negligence, lawyers in Chandigarh have uncovered a serious cybersecurity threat at the Sector 43 District Court that puts thousands of citizens at risk of digital fraud and financial loss.
Dangerous Discovery at Court Premises
Legal professionals recently flagged a critical security breach after discovering an incorrect and potentially malicious website link displayed prominently on signage outside the challan disposal office. The misleading URL, placed at a high-footfall location where numerous citizens visit daily to pay fines, could redirect unsuspecting visitors to phishing websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
Raja Vikrant Sharma, a cyber and digital privacy advocate, expressed grave concerns about the situation. "It is shocking that the administration has displayed a phishing link on the official door of the District Court's Challan Branch," he stated. "Thousands of people visit Sector 43 to pay fines, trusting the instructions on the wall. By directing them to a fake website, the administration is actively exposing citizens to cyber crime frauds."
Persistent Negligence Despite Warnings
What makes this situation more alarming is that the cybersecurity risk was reported to authorities as early as November 12, yet the dangerous signage remains in place weeks later. This delay in corrective action has transformed what might have been a simple error into what lawyers are calling "gross negligence" by the administration.
Another concerned lawyer, Nitesh Mehta, highlighted how this vulnerability particularly affects technologically vulnerable citizens. "Not everyone is tech-savvy. My father would have clicked that link without a second thought because it's on a court door. This is extremely dangerous," Mehta explained, emphasizing the trust people naturally place in instructions displayed on court premises.
Broader Context of Digital Payment Frauds
This incident occurs against the backdrop of rising cybercrime in Chandigarh and across India, where fraudsters are increasingly exploiting digital payment systems. Cybersecurity experts note that the term "virtual court" itself has been misused in sophisticated digital arrest scams, where criminals simulate online legal proceedings to extort money from victims.
The Supreme Court of India has recently taken suo motu cognizance of such virtual court scams, indicating the severity and prevalence of these digital threats. Lawyers stress that public offices, especially judicial premises, have a heightened responsibility to ensure all displayed information is accurate and verified to prevent citizens from falling prey to cybercriminals.
Ashok Chauhan, president of the District Bar Association, has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and committed to personally verifying the problematic signage on Wednesday. However, the continued presence of the dangerous link days after its discovery raises questions about the administration's responsiveness to cybersecurity threats.
This case serves as a crucial reminder for all government institutions to implement rigorous verification processes for digital information displayed in public spaces, especially as India continues its rapid digital transformation across public services.
