Rajasthan HC Orders QR-Coded IDs for Gig Workers, Tighter SIM Rules and Influencer Regulation

The Rajasthan High Court in Adnan Haidar Bhai v. State of Rajasthan has issued a wide set of directions to strengthen how the State tackles digital-age crimes, calling cyber offences an “unstoppable and exponentially growing problem”.

The Court has ordered major reforms in digital policing, including a regional cyber command centre, a 24×7 forensic lab, stricter SIM regulations, and mandatory verification of gig workers working with platforms such as Ola, Uber, Zomato and Swiggy.

Key Directions Issued by the Court

1. Mandatory QR-coded IDs for gig workers

From February 2026, all gig workers must carry QR-coded ID cards. Companies must ensure police verification and cannot hire anyone with a criminal record. Uniforms, background checks, and registration of delivery vehicles were also made compulsory.

2. Minimum 15% women drivers

Ola, Uber and similar platforms have been asked to ensure at least 15% women drivers within six months, to enhance the safety of women passengers. The Court also asked them to introduce a feature that lets women choose a woman driver.

3. Stronger SIM regulations

The sale of digital devices and SIM cards will now be closely monitored. An individual cannot hold more than three SIM cards unless additional verification is carried out. All sellers of digital devices—offline or online—must register and record sales in a State-maintained system from February 2026.

4. Regulation of influencers and online creators

The State must issue circulars to regulate YouTubers, influencers and online creators through a registration and verification framework. The aim is to curb impersonation and fraud while protecting freedom of speech.

5. Verification of social media IDs

Social media accounts created or operated in Rajasthan must be linked to Aadhaar or other valid ID documents to reduce fake profiles. Platforms are expected to identify and block impersonated accounts.

6. New cyber command centre

The State has been directed to set up the Rajasthan Cyber Crime Control Centre (R4C), modelled on the Union Home Ministry’s I4C, to strengthen cybercrime investigation.

7. Automatic FIR system for cyber complaints

A new toll-free number must be launched (separate from 1930) where any cyber complaint will automatically generate an FIR and send it directly to the concerned cyber police station. This system must begin by February 1, 2026.

8. Dedicated IT-qualified police force

The Court noted that cyber investigations require specialised officers. It asked the State to recruit IT-qualified Inspectors, create a separate cadre under DG Cyber, and provide clear rules for their service structure and career progression.

9. Digital forensic laboratory

A Section 79A-certified forensic lab must be made operational by February 1, 2026, with the ability to examine digital devices and issue forensic reports within 30 days.

10. Quarterly meetings across departments

Senior State officials must meet banks, telecom operators, ISPs and investigating agencies every quarter to track fraud patterns and share information.

11. Banking and financial safeguards

The Court directed banks and fintechs to adopt measures such as:

• AI-based tools to detect unusual ATM activity
• Mandatory use of RBI’s ‘Mule Hunter’ tool
• Identification of mule accounts
• Fresh KYC for high-risk or dormant accounts
• Higher scrutiny of bulk transfers
• Restrictions on internet banking and UPI limits for users with low digital literacy

12. Regulation of call centres and BPOs

Call centres and BPOs must register with DG Cyber and give undertakings that no unlawful digital activity will be carried out.