The Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to promote app-based ride-hailing services to ensure that at least 15% of their drivers are women within six months, according to a report by PTI. It also ordered to raise the target to 25% in the next two to three years. The court order also said that platforms should offer women passengers the option to select a female driver as their primary preference. The directions were issued as part of a detailed 35-point order by Justice Ravi Chirania, who described cybercrime as an “unstoppable and fast-rising menace” and called for urgent structural reforms in Rajasthan’s cyber policing framework, the report said. Cracking down on cybercrime The court also directed the government to set up a Rajasthan Cybercrime Control Centre, in line with the Union government’s Indian Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C). It was noted that despite the introduction of the post of Director General, Cybercrimes in 2024, the state “does not yet have an adequate system” to address digital offences. The order was issued during the hearing of bail pleas for two Gujarat residents accused of impersonating law enforcers and allegedly defrauding an elderly couple of ₹2.02 crore. Both men, who are currently in the Jodhpur Central Jail, have been denied bail. In addition, the Supreme Court directed telecom authorities to carry out thorough verification before issuing a fourth SIM card to an individual. It urged the government to keep a close watch on dead or inactive bank accounts and to require physical KYC verification for these accounts. Banks and financial institutions are instructed to suspend or deny internet banking services on accounts flagged as suspicious or those with annual transactions below ₹50,000 for the past three years. The court further ordered that all gig workers operating in Rajasthan should register with the office of the Director General, Cyber ​​Crimes. From 1 February next year, gig workers will have to wear a uniform or adhere to a dress code and carry a QR-coded ID card to show on request. Registration with the state transport department will become mandatory for gig workers, who will now be required to drive vehicles with commercial number plates. Meanwhile, the sale and purchase of second-hand digital devices will be subject to stricter controls, while schools have been instructed to implement a clear SOP regulating mobile phone use for students up to class nine or those under 16 years of age. (With input from agencies.)