The Supreme Court of India's registry has issued a fresh alert about fraudulent websites impersonating its official portal, creating significant risks for the public. This serves as a critical reminder for all citizens to be vigilant online.
A Repeated Warning from the Top Court
In a public
notice issued on November 3, 2026, the Supreme Court Registry once again cautioned citizens, advocates, and litigants about fake websites designed to mimic its official online presence. The advisory specifically identified a fraudulent domain, 'scigovinjudicial.com', as the latest in a series of attempts by cybercriminals to deceive the public. This is not an isolated incident; the Registry has issued similar warnings in the past, including on dates in July 2025 and April and August 2026, highlighting a persistent and evolving threat. These fake sites are created with the malicious intent of tricking people into divulging sensitive information through phishing schemes. The court has made it unequivocally clear that its one and only official domain is sci.gov.in.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Scam
Cybercriminals create these impersonating websites with a high degree of sophistication. They copy official logos, layouts, and names to build a false sense of trust. Scammers often use domain names that are slight variations of the real one, incorporating keywords like 'judicial' or 'court' to appear legitimate. The goal is to lure unsuspecting users who are searching for case information, cause lists, or other judicial services. Once a user lands on the fake page, they may be prompted to enter personal details, login credentials, or financial information. Scammers thrive on creating a sense of authority and urgency, pressuring victims into making mistakes they otherwise wouldn't. This stolen data can then be used for identity theft, financial fraud, and other serious crimes.
What 'sci.gov.in' and '.gov.in' Signify
The domain name is the most crucial clue to a website's authenticity. In India, domains ending in '.gov.in' or '.nic.in' are exclusively reserved for official government bodies, from central ministries to state departments. The address 'sci.gov.in' specifically belongs to the Supreme Court of India. Scammers often register domains that look similar at a glance but have different endings, like '.com', '.org', or '.in'. For example, a fake site might be named 'supremecourt.com' or 'sci-gov.in', designed to confuse users. The presence of 'https' and a padlock icon indicates that the connection to the site is encrypted, but it does not guarantee that the site itself is genuine or official. Always check the end of the domain address before the first slash to be sure.
Your Checklist for Staying Safe Online
Protecting yourself from these scams requires a healthy dose of skepticism and a few simple checks. First, always verify the domain name. Ensure it ends with '.gov.in' or '.nic.in' for government services. Instead of clicking on links from unsolicited emails, text messages, or social media posts, type the official web address directly into your browser. The Supreme Court registry advises hovering your mouse over any link to see the full URL before you click. Be extremely wary of any website that asks for your PIN, CVV, or passwords; official government portals will never ask for such details to provide information or services. If a website demands an urgent payment, especially through gift cards or personal UPI transfers, it is almost certainly a scam. Real government agencies do not operate with such methods.
What to Do If You Suspect a Scam
If you believe you have encountered a phishing website or have accidentally shared your information, it is crucial to act immediately. The Supreme Court's advisory recommends that potential victims change the passwords for all their online accounts right away. This includes email, banking, and social media. The next critical step is to contact your bank and credit card companies. Report any suspicious activity and request them to monitor your accounts for unauthorised access or transactions. Promptly reporting the incident can help prevent or mitigate financial loss. The court's registry has also stated that it has flagged these fraudulent domains with law enforcement agencies to investigate and take action against the perpetrators.
