**No Cyber Expert Appointed in Chhattisgarh, High Court Expresses Displeasure -Central Government Asked to Respond. *

Amid the growing menace of cybercrime in Chhattisgarh, the state has yet to appoint a cyber expert, leading to significant challenges in verifying digital evidence during legal proceedings. The Chhattisgarh High Court’s division bench, comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, has expressed deep concern over the issue. The court has directed the state to appoint cyber experts at the earliest and has sought a response from the central government via an affidavit.

The matter came to light when advocate Shireen Malewar filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court, highlighting the absence of a cyber expert or examiner under Section 79-A of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The petition pointed out that while 16 locations across the country already have appointed experts, Chhattisgarh remains without one.

In recent years, cybercrime has witnessed a sharp rise. Cases of bank fraud, social media hacking, digital scams, fake news, and online phishing have affected both individuals and institutions.

In Chhattisgarh alone, thousands of cybercrime cases are pending, but the absence of technical experts is causing delays in investigations. The appointment of cyber experts is crucial to verifying electronic evidence swiftly, ensuring criminals are apprehended in time, and preventing hindrances in the judicial process.

With the increasing adoption of digital transactions and online activities, there is a pressing need for new strategies in cybersecurity. Experts emphasize that cyber policing—a dedicated law enforcement mechanism for digital crimes—has become indispensable.

Key measures include:

•Strengthening Cyber Cells: Establishing specialized cyber police stations and forensic labs in every district

•Recruiting Technical Experts: Hiring trained professionals for analyzing and investigating digital evidence

•Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating citizens on preventive measures against online fraud

•Strict Enforcement of Cyber Laws: Ensuring rigorous implementation of existing laws to provide swift justice to victims

Following the High Court’s directive, it is anticipated that the central government will take concrete action soon. Experts believe that investing in cybersecurity is not just crucial for crime prevention but also essential for the success of Digital India. The key question now is how swiftly the government will respond to this pressing issue.