The Supreme Court has expressed grave concern over the increasing instances of "digital arrest" scams occurring across the country, terming such acts as a "direct assault on the dignity of the institution". The court has taken suo motu cognizance of the issue, seeking responses from the Central government and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The matter came to the forefront after a 73-year-old woman from Ambala, Haryana, wrote to the Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai, detailing how she and her husband were defrauded of ₹1.05 crore. The couple fell victim to a scam where fraudsters impersonated law enforcement agencies and judicial authorities, using forged Supreme Court orders to create a false "digital arrest" and extort money. The woman claimed that the scammers presented a fabricated order purportedly issued by a former CJI.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, while hearing the case, emphasized the severity of forging judicial orders and signatures of judges, stating that it "strikes at the very foundation of the public trust in the judicial system besides the rule of law". The court further noted that these crimes cannot be treated as ordinary cases of cheating or cybercrime, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts between central and state police to uncover the full extent of the criminal enterprise.
The Supreme Court has acknowledged that the Ambala case is not an isolated incident, with numerous similar crimes reported across the country. These "digital arrest scams" involve cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement or government officials to intimidate victims and pressure them into paying money. Victims are often falsely led to believe they have legal troubles and must pay hefty penalties. The court also noted instances where fraudsters fabricated proceedings before the Bombay High Court and made false claims of investigations by the CBI and Enforcement Directorate (ED).
In response to the growing threat, the Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union Home Ministry, the CBI, and other relevant authorities. The court has also sought the assistance of the Attorney General of India in the matter. Additionally, the Haryana government and the Superintendent of Police (SP) Cyber Crime at Ambala have been directed to file a status report on the investigation.
The Supreme Court's intervention underscores the urgent need to address the rise in digital arrest scams and protect vulnerable citizens from these sophisticated cybercrimes. The court's strong stance reflects its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the judicial system and maintaining public trust in its institutions.
