'Possible To Reform Murderer, But Cyber Criminals...': CJI On 'Only Way' To Tackle Cyber Frauds

During the hearing of a cybercrime case, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Thursday made strong remarks against cyber offenders, saying that while a murderer may still be reformed and released, cyber criminals should not be spared. Referring to the accused, who allegedly has a history of cyber fraud, the CJI observed that such offenders should be kept in solitary confinement with no access to mobile phones or digital devices.“That’s the only way to deal with them,” he remarked.A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Vipul Pancholi was hearing a plea filed by Suraj Srivastava challenging an Allahabad High Court order that denied him bail in a cyber fraud case registered under Sections 420 and 120B

of the IPC, along with Section 66D of the IT Act.Srivastava has reportedly been in custody since May 12, 2025, and is said to have three prior criminal cases against him. According to the allegations, he duped the complainant of Rs 6,55,700 on the pretext of offering a part-time job.Investigators claim he operated multiple bank accounts, at least five, through which the money was routed, with several UPI transactions also allegedly linked to him.In its order, the High Court denied Srivastava bail, observing that cybercrimes are rapidly increasing with the advancement of digital technology. It noted that such offences act like a “silent virus,” stealthily disrupting society and causing losses that go beyond just financial damage.Challenging this decision, Srivastava moved the Supreme Court through Advocate-on-Record Gaurav Khanna.