India blocked 129 betting websites on forged court orders, investigation finds

India ordered internet providers to block 129 betting websites using two purported high-court orders that were found to be forged. The directions, issued in July and September, were based on documents bearing the names of courts in Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

The Rajasthan High Court registrar said the document bearing its name appeared fraudulent. Allahabad High Court filed a police complaint after the findings were put to it, and police opened an investigation into alleged forgery and cheating. No arrests had been made, an official said.

Who created the documents remains unknown. It is also unclear whether artificial intelligence was used. Court seals and a QR code did not establish authenticity, and the telecommunications department did not respond to questions.