"You've been hacked": Pornographic video hijacks Delhi High Court virtual proceedings

NEW DELHI: Obscene videos appeared on screen during an online hearing at the Delhi High Court. The proceedings, led by the Chief Justice, had to be suspended twice after explicit content was repeatedly broadcast. An unidentified user logged into the virtual hearing and shared their screen to display the footage. While the court attempted to restart the system after the first disruption, the behaviour persisted, leading to a total shutdown of the virtual court session.

The High Court has filed an official complaint with the Delhi Police’s Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit. IFSO is a specialised cyber wing that handles complex digital crimes, including online fraud, cyber harassment, and sensitive cases involving national security. Equipped with advanced cyber forensics, the unit can recover deleted data and trace the origins of digital intrusions. During preliminary questioning, an individual named Shithijit Singh claimed his account had been hacked from the United States.

The disruption began with a message stating, "You have been hacked," followed by the explicit video. An automated voice also announced the hack. Preliminary findings suggest a targeted cyberattack on the High Court’s video conferencing interface. Accounts under the names Sridhar Sarnobat and Shithijit Singh have been identified as the sources of the broadcast.

This incident raises serious questions about the security of digital systems within the judiciary. It is a matter of grave concern that such breaches can occur in a space meant to ensure the safety and privacy of individuals.