'Approach Authorities': Delhi High Court Refuses Urgent Directions On Plea To Constitute Special Courts For Cyber Crime Offences

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to pass urgent directions on a plea seeking constitution of special courts to deal exclusively with offences related to cyber crimes.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela closed a plea filed by one Vijay Bhaskar Verma who sought establishment of special independent courts to dispose of cyber crimes cases.

At the outset, the Court questioned Verma's counsel as to whether there was any mandate in any statute or law which says that Court can direct constitution of special tribunals or courts.

“How can we issue any mandamus?…” the Chief Justice asked the counsel.

Apart from seeking constitution of independent courts, the plea also sought necessary infrastructure and technical support for such courts.

The Bench noted that the counsel could not bring out any statute or provision which mandates creation of special courts to deal with cyber crimes exclusively.

“We are unable to accede to the prayers in the writ petition. However, in view of the overall facts, we permit the petitioner to represent the cause to the authorities by making an exhaustive representation, taking all the pleas available to him,” the Court said.

It added that once such a representation is made, the authorities will attend to it and take a decision with expedition.

Title: Vijay Bhasker Verma v. Union of India