Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is planning to establish five fast-track cyber courts across different regions of the state in a major push to strengthen the justice delivery system and tackle the growing menace of cybercrime.
Speaking on the government’s roadmap for judicial reforms and crime control, Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said the proposed courts would exclusively deal with cybercrime-related cases to ensure speedy trials and quicker punishment for offenders.
The minister said the law department has already initiated the process and is preparing a detailed proposal, which will soon be placed before the government for approval.
According to him, the dedicated cyber courts are being planned with a focus on ensuring immediate justice for victims of online fraud, cyber harassment, and other digital crimes. He said the government is also examining ways to strengthen expertise in cyber laws and digital evidence handling among presiding officers and prosecuting officials associated with these courts.
Harichandan said the state government wants these courts to function as specialised judicial platforms capable of handling complex cybercrime investigations and trials more efficiently.
He added that the proposed cyber courts could emerge as a landmark step in Odisha’s justice delivery mechanism in the coming years.
The minister also revealed that the government is actively considering the establishment of seven women’s courts in the state to deal with crimes against women in a faster and more focused manner.
He said the proposal is currently under consideration at the highest level and is awaiting approval from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Harichandan added that the Orissa High Court has already given its consent for the initiative.
The minister stressed that faster convictions and strict punishment are essential to creating fear among criminals and reducing crime rates.
He said crimes are likely to increase with population growth and changing demographic patterns, making it necessary for the government to strengthen the justice system and ensure swift legal action against offenders.
Harichandan particularly highlighted the need for tougher and faster responses in cases related to crimes against women. He said people involved in such offences should not receive any concession and must face strict legal consequences.
He further stated that the government’s broader strategy is aimed at both reducing crime and creating fear among those involved in criminal activities through a stronger and faster judicial framework.
The proposed fast-track cyber courts and women’s courts are expected to play a crucial role in improving conviction timelines and strengthening public confidence in the justice delivery system across Odisha.
