Listen To This Post
Hisar: Expressing grave concern over the rapid rise of cybercrime, Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India, on Friday said that the nature and scale of crime have undergone a drastic transformation with technological advancement, turning cybercrime into a serious global threat. The CJI, who is on a two-day visit to Hisar, his home district—he hails from Petwar village—was addressing members of the District Bar Association, Hisar.
Highlighting emerging forms of digital fraud, Justice Surya Kant said a particularly dangerous crime known as “digital arrest” has assumed alarming proportions. “This is a menace of which I have myself taken cognisance. Efforts are being made at multiple levels to curb it,” he said.
₹55,000 Crore Lost to Cybercrime
The Chief Justice revealed that cybercrime has already caused financial losses of nearly ₹55,000 crore to innocent citizens across the country.
“A massive crime syndicate and international crime racket is involved, with large sums of money being siphoned off to foreign countries,” he said, urging members of the legal fraternity to be prepared for this evolving challenge.
Law Practice Must Become Tech-Savvy
Justice Surya Kant said that while earlier litigation largely revolved around petty disputes such as water issues or street altercations, the present era is increasingly dominated by commercial and technology-driven litigation.
“In today’s world, being technologically advanced and tech-savvy is no longer optional for an advocate—it is essential,” he said. He stressed that cybercrime and commercial litigation must be addressed with modern, technical tools alongside conventional legal methods. He called upon Bar Associations, High Courts and Bar Councils to organise regular training programmes to equip advocates with the skills needed to handle cyber and commercial cases effectively.
A Personal Journey in Law
Recalling his early days in the profession, the Chief Justice said he completed his legal studies in 1984 and was encouraged to begin practice almost immediately. “I started visiting the district court from April 21, 1984, and received my licence on July 29,” he said.
He shared that after arguing a civil case, he was advised to shift to the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Chandigarh.
“I accepted the challenge at a very young age and went to Chandigarh with just two pairs of clothes. There, I received the blessings and guidance of senior lawyers,” he recalled.
Call for Global Competence
Urging young lawyers to embrace challenges and continuous learning, Justice Surya Kant appealed to advocates to enhance their professional image and become globally competent.
“The legal profession must evolve with the times. Only those who adapt to technology and modern practices will be able to serve justice in today’s interconnected world effectively,” the CJI said.
