SRINAGAR: The Supreme Court declined to entertain a writ petition filed by an alleged cyber criminal accused of laundering investors’ money, with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant making strong remarks against cyber fraudsters and stressing the need for a tough approach to such crimes.
A Bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice V Mohan was hearing a petition filed by Manoj Kumar Singh against the State of Bihar and others when it dismissed the plea at the threshold and directed the petitioner to seek appropriate relief before the concerned High Court.
During the hearing, the Bench expressed serious concern over the growing menace of cyber fraud and investment scams, observing that such offenders exploit innocent people and operate across multiple states.
“You all are parasites. You take money from investors and dupe them. We have to be harsh on cyber criminals. Society’s interest is only that you are behind bars. Such crimes are always pan-India. Take money from someone in Gujarat, then Mumbai, and so on,” the Court observed.
The Bench noted that no grounds were made out for invoking its writ jurisdiction in the matter and refused to grant any relief to the petitioner.
The Supreme Court’s remarks come amid increasing concerns over cyber-enabled financial frauds, online investment scams and digital money laundering cases affecting thousands of investors across the country. The Court underscored the need for stringent action against those involved in such offences, emphasising the larger public interest and the protection of innocent citizens from financial exploitation.
The petition was accordingly dismissed, with liberty granted to the petitioner to approach the appropriate High Court for redressal. (KNC)
