The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a plea seeking interim protection by a petitioner facing multiple FIRs in different States in connection with alleged cyber fraud offences. The petitioner contended that after the registration of the first FIR, he had subsequently been implicated in several other FIRs and sought permission to join a common investigation. It was argued that proceeding with investigations in multiple States would cause grave prejudice and that interim protection was necessary to enable him to participate in the proceedings.

The petitioner also relied on provisions of the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act and sought consolidation of the investigation. It was submitted that notices had been issued by authorities in different States and that protection would enable him to cooperate with the investigations while pursuing legal remedies.

The Bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana, however, was not persuaded. Referring to the nature of cybercrime investigations, the Court observed that victims are often spread across different parts of the country and that such offences cannot be viewed as localised crimes. Making strong remarks against cyber fraudsters, the Court observed:

The Court also rejected the argument that interim protection should be granted merely to facilitate participation in investigations across jurisdictions. Declining to exercise its extraordinary jurisdiction, the Court indicated that the petitioner could avail remedies available under law.