India, Sept. 11 -- The Karnataka high court on Wednesday, taking serious note of the surge in cybercrime cases in the state, directed the government to establish a fully functional Cyber Command Centre (CCC) to combat the growing menace of digital offences.

The court said the CCC must be an empowered body, insulated from political interference, and headed by a senior police officer with adequate tenure to ensure stability. Transfers, particularly of the Director General of Police leading the CCC, should only take place in "exceptional cases" and after prior consultation, the court added.

Justice M Nagaprasanna, who issued the directions, underlined the importance of continuity and transparency. "This is not a recommendation, it is an im...