Rajasthan HC mandates QR-coded IDs for gig workers, regulation of influencers, SIMs to tackle crimes in digital era

Calling cyber-crime an “unstoppable and exponentially growing problem,” the Rajasthan High Court recently issued a series of directives to tackle crimes that are linked to the increasing digitisation of services [Adnan Haidar Bhai v. State Of Rajasthan]..The Court has ordered a substantial restructuring of the State’s digital crime policing system, including the establishment of regional cyber command centre.It also issued directives for setting up a 24x7 digital forensic lab, stricter SIM regulations, and mandatory verification of gig workers working for companies such as Ola, Uber, Zomato and Swiggy. Among other directives, the Court further called for issuing circulars to regulate YouTube and other online influencers without compromising their freedom of speech, barring the sale of more than three SIM cards to one individual, verifying social media IDs with Aadhaar or other forms of identity documents to curb fake IDs, having QR-coded identity cards for gig workers with effect from February 2026, and barring those with criminal history from being engaged as gig workers.The Court also called for taxi service companies like Ola and Uber to have at least 15 per cent women drivers, to improve safety standards for women passengers..The order was passed after Justice Ravi Chirania noted that crime investigation and justice delivery systems have been struggling to keep up with the speed at which the digital world was moving."The concern of almost all Courts etc. in the country ... all States/ UT’s ,the Police and other Investigating Agencies etc. is how to handle this new, unstoppable and exponentially growing problem which is before them due to fast changing digital technology," said the Court. The Court took note of the issue while dismissing two bail petitions filed by individuals accused of extorting more than ₹2 crore from an elderly couple through a digital arrest scam. .The Court proceeded to issue a wide set of directions to the State government, police, banks, online platforms, and telecom operators, aimed at restructuring the cyber-crime response system in Rajasthan. These directions include the following..New cyber command centreThe State has been asked to establish a regional Rajasthan Cyber Crime Control Centre (R4C) on the model of the Union Home Ministry’s Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) to boost the detection and investigation of cybercrime. .Automatic FIR systemThe State is asked to introduce a new toll-free number, separate from the national 1930 helpline, through which a complaint of a cyber offence will automatically generate an FIR.The system is directed to be functional by February 1, 2026. It will forward each FIR directly to the cyber police station concerned..Recruitment of IT-specialist policeThe Court noted that investigations under the IT Act require officers of the rank of inspector or above and said the existing structure lacks technically qualified officers.It directed the State to create a dedicated cadre of IT-qualified Inspectors with knowledge in fields relevant to cyber investigations. These officers are to be posted exclusively under the Director General, Cyber (DG Cyber), and will not be transferred elsewhere, except through a defined approval process.The State has been asked to frame or amend service rules to enable such recruitment and to provide a clear career progression path for such officers..Digital forensics infrastructureThe Court has directed the State to operationalise a Section 79A IT Act-certified digital forensic laboratory by February 1, 2026.The laboratory should have infrastructure and personnel capable of analysing digital devices and issuing forensic reports within 30 days of receiving a request..Quarterly coordination meetingsThe Additional Chief Secretary (Home), the Director General of Police and the DG Cyber have been directed by the Court to hold quarterly coordination meetings with banks, telecom operators, internet service providers, and investigating agencies. The objective is to share information, track emerging fraud patterns and address gaps across departments..Banking and financial controlsThe Court has ordered the State authorities to issue several directions to banks, financial institutions and fintech companies on tackling cyber crime, including on:Use of AI-based tools in ATMs to detect unusual or repeated card use. Identification and monitoring of mule accounts. Mandatory deployment of the RBI’s “Mule Hunter” AI tool to analyse suspicious transfers. Fresh KYC verification for dormant or high-risk accounts, with action against bank officials involved in irregularities. Restrictions on internet banking and UPI limits for users with low digital literacy or limited account activity. Increased scrutiny of bulk transfers by unverified entities..Sale of digital devices and SIM regulationThe Court has mandated that all sellers of digital devices, physical stores and online platforms, must be brought under a mandatory registration system.Every sale of new or used digital devices must be logged in a digital system maintained by DG Cyber starting February 1, 2026, but without compromising privacy. The Court also asked the State to ensure that no individual holds more than three SIM cards in the State at a time. Any request beyond this limit will require additional verification by the service provider..Call centres, BPOs and social media identitiesAll call centres and BPOs operating in Rajasthan are directed register with DG Cyber and provide undertakings against unauthorised digital activity.The Court also instructed the government to ensure that social media accounts operated within the State are linked to verified identities such as Aadhaar or other valid identity documents.Platforms are expected to identify and block impersonated or fraudulent profiles in accordance with law..Regulation of gig workersThe Court has issued detailed directions ride-hailing, delivery, courier and other platform-based services that engage gig workers, such as Ola, Uber, Swiggy, Zomato etc. All gig workers must be registered and issued standard uniforms with QR-coded identification. "All gig workers shall carry their ID cards while performing their duties and shall produce them as and when demanded by authorities or consumers," the Court added. They must also undergo police verification before being engaged by the platform, the Court said. "All E-commerce and other such companies(courier companies, deliver partners of E- commerce companies etc.) shall be directed by ACS, Home to appoint a GIG worker after Police verification and complete background check ... No person with any criminal antecedents be employed," the order states, in this regard. .Drivers engaged by taxi service platforms such as Ola and Uber must use commercial number plates and may operate only after verification by the transport department and DG Cyber.Platforms must monitor gig-worker activity using technological/ AI tools and submit quarterly reports to State authorities.Delivery vehicles used by e-commerce, logistics and courier companies were also directed to be properly registered and identifiable.The Court also directed the State to encourage platforms such as Uber and Ola to increase the proportion of women drivers to 15 per cent in six months time. It asked the platforms to offer an option that allows female passengers to choose female drivers."ACS Home ... shall ensure that companies like Ola, Uber, etc. are encouraged to have at least 15% female drivers (in six months from the date of this order and would further increase to 25% in next 2-3 years) of cars/bike/scooter for the security of female passengers," the Court said. .Digital influencers and online content creatorsThe court asked the State to regulate digital influencers, YouTubers and content creators through a registration and verification system.The framework should aim to address impersonation, fraud and misuse while ensuring that lawful expression is not restricted..[Read Order].Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.