Patna | January 3, 2026 | With cybercrime expanding rapidly and new methods such as so-called “digital arrests” gaining ground, India’s Justice Surya Kant has flagged serious and emerging challenges before the judiciary. He said cyber frauds being committed round-the-clock—particularly those targeting senior citizens—have become a complex and pressing test for India’s justice delivery system.
Addressing a function at the Patna High Court to mark the laying of foundation stones for various judicial infrastructure projects, the Chief Justice of India noted that the complexities of civil and criminal laws are steadily increasing, and the judiciary must continuously update itself to keep pace with these changes.
“Offences such as digital arrests, impersonation of investigative agencies to instil fear, and online frauds are now being carried out 24×7,” Justice Surya Kant said. “These crimes are not limited to financial loss alone; they push victims—especially the elderly—into zones of psychological harassment and social intimidation.”
Continuous training for judges is essential
The CJI underlined that sensitive training and continuous skill upgradation of judicial officers are critical to effectively deal with such crimes. Understanding technology-driven offences, he said, requires more than traditional legal knowledge—it demands familiarity with the digital ecosystem, evolving cybercrime trends, and the mindset of offenders.
“Judicial education can no longer remain static or episodic,” he observed. “The judiciary today operates in an environment of unprecedented change, where technological innovation, economic complexity, social transformation, and evolving rights jurisprudence reach courts on a daily basis.”
Role of judicial academies
Justice Surya Kant highlighted that judicial academies form the backbone of this continuous learning process. These institutions equip judges with the tools needed to interpret the law in a manner that is principled, pragmatic, and sensitive to the lived realities of litigants.
He urged judges to remain intellectually agile, socially aware, and ethically grounded, so that judicial decisions continue to inspire confidence and remain responsive to changing societal realities.
Rising expectations in the digital age
Acknowledging the changing public perception, the CJI said expectations from the justice delivery system are higher than ever before. In an age shaped by social media and instant digital information, maintaining the relevance and credibility of the judiciary has become a constant challenge.
Courts, he said, are no longer confined to conventional disputes alone. They are increasingly required to adjudicate matters involving technology-linked crimes, economic fraud, and digital rights, thereby expanding the judiciary’s role in modern governance.
Message to law students
Later, speaking at the convocation ceremony of Chanakya National Law University, Justice Surya Kant delivered a motivational message to graduating students. He reminded them that greatness is not determined by birth or position, but by one’s actions.
He said success is the outcome of consistent hard work, discipline, and patience, and advised young lawyers not to fear failure but to learn from it. Referring to Bihar’s rich intellectual tradition, he also emphasised the importance of maintaining balance in both professional and personal life.
Warning and opportunity for the judiciary
Overall, the CJI’s remarks serve as a clear signal that digital arrests and cyber fraud are no longer peripheral issues. They represent not only legal, but also institutional and ethical challenges for the judiciary.
In the years ahead, the strength of India’s justice system will depend on how effectively it leverages technological understanding, structured training, and judicial sensitivity to confront these evolving threats—and whether it can continue to uphold public trust with the same authority in the digital age.
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.
