Refusing bail in a cyber fraud case involving over Rs.3 crore, the Supreme Court termed cyber criminals “parasites” who dupe innocent people through phishing links and fake banking portals. CJI Surya Kant held that society’s interest lies in keeping such accused behind bars during trial, given the nationwide impact of cyber fraud.
Dismissing a bail plea in a cyber fraud case, the Supreme Court described cyber criminals as parasites who cheat people of large sums, and ruled that society’s interest lies in keeping such accused in custody during the trial.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Sandeep Mehta, refused bail to the man arrested for allegedly cheating multiple victims through fake banking portals and phishing links.
The alleged fraud is said to involve more than Rs 3 crore.
Bench led by the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant while dismissing the plea, said,
“You guys (cyber fraudsters) are parasites who dupe investors of crores of rupees. With cybercriminals we have to be very harsh. Your victims are always pan-Indians. You cheat someone in Tamil Nadu then you go to Jammu…Society’s interest is only that you should be inside jail”,
The court also observed that the accused are alleged to have exploited technology to carry out offences that erode public confidence in digital payments. It held that such crimes warrant a strict approach, particularly because the victims are spread across the country.
The petitioner sought bail on the grounds of prolonged detention and the fact that a co-accused had been granted bail by the High Court.
The Delhi Police opposed the request, contending that the accused was the mastermind of an interstate racket and had allegedly evaded arrest for months.
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Noting that the probe indicated a structured operation, the bench said the case involves a network of mule bank accounts, SIM cards reportedly obtained using forged documents, and systematic laundering of funds.
The bench remarked,
“Economic offences like these are premeditated and cause deep harm to society. They stand on a different footing from other crimes,”
While rejecting the plea, the Supreme Court further stated that delays in trial cannot be a basis for releasing the accused given the seriousness of the allegations. It directed the trial court to conclude the proceedings within one year.
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