New Delhi: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has refused bail to an accused in a high-value cyber fraud case involving an alleged loss of ₹1.15 crore, underlining that cybercrime has emerged as a “growing menace” in the digital age and requires a stringent judicial approach to act as an effective deterrent.
The court was hearing a bail plea filed by an accused charged in a case where the complainant was allegedly duped of a substantial sum while engaging in online share trading through a brokerage application. Dismissing the plea, the court observed that cybercriminals are increasingly deploying sophisticated methods to target individuals and institutions, exploiting trust in digital platforms and financial technologies.
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Seriousness of offence weighed
In its order, the court noted that offences of this nature are not isolated incidents but part of a wider and rapidly expanding pattern of cyber-enabled fraud. It held that granting bail at this stage could undermine the investigation and dilute the message of deterrence, particularly in cases involving large financial losses and organised digital manipulation.
The court emphasised that cyber fraud cases often involve complex financial trails, multiple digital layers and interlinked transactions, making investigation time-consuming and technically demanding. Given these factors, a cautious approach was warranted while considering bail, it said.
Allegations in the case
According to the prosecution, the complainant was allegedly induced into transferring funds under the guise of online trading activities, resulting in a loss amounting to ₹1.15 crore. Investigators have argued that the offence involved deliberate planning and misuse of digital infrastructure to deceive the victim, rather than a one-off or impulsive act.
The defence had sought bail on grounds including the accused’s period of custody and the claim that further detention was unnecessary. However, the court was not persuaded, observing that the gravity of the offence, the scale of the alleged fraud and the broader impact of such crimes on public confidence in digital systems weighed against granting relief.
Cybercrime as a systemic threat
The High Court’s order reflects growing judicial concern over the rapid rise in cyber offences across the country. Courts have repeatedly flagged how digital frauds—ranging from online investment scams to identity theft—are evolving in both scale and sophistication, often outpacing public awareness and enforcement capacity.
The court observed that cybercrime today poses risks not only to individual victims but also to financial stability and institutional trust, particularly as digital payments, online trading and app-based services become deeply embedded in everyday life.
Need for deterrence
Stressing the need for a firm response, the court said that a lenient approach at the bail stage in serious cyber fraud cases could embolden offenders and weaken deterrence. It added that judicial decisions must factor in the wider societal impact of such crimes, especially at a time when digital transactions are being actively promoted.
Case to proceed
With bail denied, the matter will now proceed in accordance with law, with the investigation and subsequent trial expected to examine digital evidence, transaction records and the role of the accused in the alleged fraud.
Legal observers say the order is significant as it reinforces the judiciary’s increasingly tough stance on cybercrime, signalling that courts are prepared to prioritise public interest and digital security over routine bail considerations in high-value fraud cases.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
