K’taka HC Faces Cybersecurity Challenge, Police Registers FIR

The recent disturbance during the online proceedings before the Karnataka High Court has led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) by the Karnataka Police.

The FIR, filed at Central CEN Crime Police Station, is based on a complaint lodged by the High Court’s administration and falls under Sections 67 and 67(A) of the Information Technology Act.

These sections specifically address the publication or transmission of obscene or sexually explicit material in electronic form.

According to the complaint, on December 4, unknown individuals disrupted court proceedings by displaying obscene images before a judge.

The complaint also identifies the IP addresses associated with these users.

In response to the incident, the High Court took immediate action by suspending the live-streaming of its court proceedings and video conferences.

Chief Justice PB Varale announced this decision in court, expressing regret over the unprecedented situation.

He emphasized the court’s historical support for using technology for the benefit of the public but acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the current circumstances.

The High Court further clarified in a release that a “cybersecurity issue” occurred during video conferencing proceedings for approximately two days. As a result, online proceedings for all three benches of the High Court will remain suspended temporarily.

The court has urged advocates, litigants, party-in-persons, and media representatives to opt for physical appearances until the restoration of video conferencing proceedings with enhanced security measures.

The general public will be informed about the resumption of video conferencing proceedings in due course.