Fake High Court Orders Used to Block 129 Betting Websites; Police Launch Investigation
In a significant development concerning cybercrime and judicial integrity, India's Department of Telecommunications (DoT) reportedly directed internet service providers to block 129 betting websites based on two purported High Court orders that have now been identified as fraudulent.
According to a Reuters investigation published on November 11, 2026, the two alleged forged orders were attributed to the Rajasthan High Court and the Allahabad High Court. The government issued website-blocking directions on July 21 and September 2, 2026, relying on these documents.
How the Alleged Forgery Came to Light
The first purported order, attributed to the Rajasthan High Court, resulted in directions to block 34 betting websites. The Registrar of the Rajasthan High Court reportedly informed Reuters that the document appeared fraudulent and did not exist on the court's server.
The second purported order was attributed to the Allahabad High Court and allegedly directed the blocking of 95 websites. The document carried the court's logo, seal and a QR code. However, verification revealed that no corresponding case or judicial order existed in the court's official records.
The purported Allahabad High Court order was dated August 14, 2026, and bore the name of Justice Garima Prashad. Her office reportedly confirmed that no such order had been passed.
Police Investigation and Criminal Allegations
Following the discovery, the Allahabad High Court administration approached the police. An FIR was registered on November 6, 2026, against unknown persons following a complaint by a Joint Registrar of the High Court.
The case invokes Sections 318(2), 336(2), 336(3), 337, 338 and 340(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS), dealing with cheating and various forms of forgery, including the use of forged documents as genuine.
Uttar Pradesh police have initiated an investigation. As reported on November 11, no arrests had been made at the time of publication.
Concerns Over Government Website-Blocking Mechanisms
The incident raises serious questions about the verification of judicial documents before government authorities act upon them. The alleged forged documents reportedly carried official-looking court seals and identifying details, demonstrating how fabricated legal documents may be used to influence administrative decisions.
It remains unclear who created the documents or whether artificial intelligence was involved. The Department of Telecommunications had not responded to Reuters' questions at the time of publication.
Why This Development Matters
The incident highlights the importance of authenticating judicial orders before implementing government blocking directions. It also raises concerns about digital evidence, institutional accountability, cybercrime and public confidence in the judicial system.
Source: Reuters, November 11, 2026; LiveLaw and Bar & Bench.