‘CJI Chandrachud’s imposter with iPad’: Supreme Court Files Cyber Crime Complaint Against Scammer

The Supreme Court of India filed a cyber crime complaint with Delhi police against a social media handle for impersonating Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud and seeking money to avail a cab to attend a Collegium meeting. In a screenshot which went viral online, the scammer is seen posing as CJI and requesting Rs 500 for a cab ride to attend a Collegium meeting.

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'CJI Chandrachud’s imposter with iPad': Supreme Court Files Cyber Crime Complaint Against Scammer

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India has taken swift action against a social media account impersonating Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, after a disturbing incident where the imposter sought money under false pretenses. The fraudulent account attempted to deceive the public by claiming to be the CJI and asking for funds to pay for a cab to attend a crucial Collegium meeting.

Upon discovering the viral post, the Supreme Court authorities, under the direct notice of the CJI, promptly lodged a cyber crime complaint with the Delhi Police. The FIR was filed with the cyber branch of the Delhi Police to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter.

The fraudulent message, which was crafted to deceive, read:

“Hello, I am CJI and we have urgent meeting of the collegium and I am stuck at Cannaught Place can you send me 500rs for cab?”

The scammer even tried to add a layer of credibility by promising,

“I will return the money once I reach the court.”

In an attempt to further legitimize the deceit, the message was concluded with the phrase ‘sent from iPad,’ likely intended to reinforce the impression of authenticity.

The security department of the Supreme Court, after receiving the CJI’s complaint, immediately took steps to address the situation by registering a first information report with the cyber crime department. This action underscores the seriousness with which the Supreme Court is treating this incident.

In a related note on the broader issue of financial fraud, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released its annual report on May 30, highlighting a dramatic increase in the number of financial fraud cases reported by banks.

The report revealed that in the financial year 2023-24, the number of such incidents surged by 166 percent compared to the previous year, totaling 36,075 cases.

'CJI Chandrachud’s imposter with iPad': Supreme Court Files Cyber Crime Complaint Against Scammer

This incident highlights several critical issues at the intersection of cybersecurity, public trust, and the responsibilities of institutions. The impersonation of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) not only underscores the growing sophistication and boldness of cybercriminals but also serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that even the highest offices are not immune to.

From a broader perspective, this case illustrates the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and the need for continuous vigilance. The fact that a fraudster could impersonate such a high-ranking official and seek money through social media should be a wake-up call for all institutions, public and private, to strengthen their digital defenses.

Moreover, the response of the Supreme Court, led by the CJI, in promptly filing a complaint and involving the cyber crime branch of the Delhi Police is commendable. It sends a clear message that such acts will be taken seriously and dealt with swiftly. This also highlights the role of institutions in maintaining public trust, showing that they are proactive in protecting not only their integrity but also the public from potential harm.

The mention of the Reserve Bank of India’s report on the sharp rise in financial fraud cases further amplifies the concern. The dramatic increase in such incidents reflects a broader trend of growing cybercrime, making it essential for both individuals and organizations to stay informed and cautious.

In summary, while the incident is alarming, it also demonstrates a strong institutional response and highlights the need for continued awareness and improvement in cybersecurity practices. The rise in financial fraud cases only adds urgency to the need for better protective measures across all sectors.

Click Here to Read Previous Reports on CJI

author

Vaibhav Ojha

ADVOCATE | LLM | BBA.LLB | SENIOR LEGAL EDITOR @ LAW CHAKRA

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