Cyber Crime
Online Court Hearing Hacked: Urgent Call for Stronger Cybersecurity in Courts
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) in Mumbai has temporarily halted its virtual hearing system following two separate cyberattacks that occurred on December 12 and 17.
During these incidents, unidentified hackers gained unauthorized access to the system and disrupted legal proceedings by broadcasting inappropriate content, including pornographic material.
In response to the breach, the NCLT has mandated that all lawyers and parties involved in cases must now appear in person for hearings until further notice.
This move comes after concerns were raised about the vulnerability of India’s digital infrastructure, particularly in the legal sector. Legal professionals and cyber law experts have highlighted the increasing risk of cyberattacks targeting court systems and other essential government services.
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The attacks have raised alarm about the security of virtual court proceedings, which have become a vital part of the judicial process, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many have called for stronger digital safeguards to ensure the integrity and accessibility of justice.
Cybersecurity experts stress the importance of upgrading court systems to prevent similar incidents in the future. The NCLT’s decision to suspend virtual hearings reflects the urgent need for robust protections against cyber threats to safeguard the functioning of the judiciary and maintain public trust in the legal system.
As investigations into the hacking incidents continue, the legal community is urging authorities to implement more secure technologies for virtual hearings to prevent further disruptions.
