The Supreme Court has stepped in to counter the fast-growing Digital Arrest Scam, signalling unprecedented measures to protect citizens from an expanding cybercrime network. The Court aims to curb scammers who impersonate authorities and extort victims nationwide.
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NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court of India on Monday indicated that it may issue “unusual orders” to curb the alarming surge in digital arrest scams. The fast-growing cyber-fraud phenomenon has already cost Indian citizens nearly ₹3,000 crore. The Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed while hearing an intervention application filed by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA).
During the hearing, Justice Surya Kant noted that the situation “may require some unusual orders” to safeguard citizens from the sophisticated cybercrime network. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta supported the Court, stating that
“unusual phenomena need unusual intervention.”
The remarks highlight the judiciary’s growing concern over the nationwide scam in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement agencies to threaten targets, mostly senior citizens, into transferring money under the pretext of imminent arrest.
SCAORA informed the Bench that a senior member of the Bar had recently been duped by cybercriminals using the digital arrest modus operandi. The victim later identified two to three accused, who were subsequently arrested. However, as the 90-day custody period approached expiry, the association feared they might secure bail before the investigation concluded.
In a strong and unusual move, the Supreme Court directed:
“The individuals who have been arrested in that case shall not be released on bail from any court of this country till the investigation comes to a conclusion.”
The Court also recorded suggestions submitted by the Amicus Curiae and those provided by the Solicitor General.
The matter has been scheduled for interim orders on November 24 at 2 PM.
During a previous hearing, the Bench expressed grave concern over the scale of the scam, noting that citizens across India have already been duped of nearly ₹3,000 crore. Justice Kant remarked the numbers were “very shocking” and cautioned that the scam would “magnify” if not addressed with “iron hands.”
SG Mehta agreed with the Court’s assessment, stating the magnitude of the fraud is “beyond our comprehension.”
During the October 27 hearing, Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the Bench that the digital arrest scams are being run by transnational criminal syndicates.
“These are money laundering gangs operating beyond our borders, notably out of Myanmar and Thailand,” he said.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta further explained that these scams have a three-layered structure: financial, technical, and human. Young Indians are allegedly lured abroad with fake job offers, have their passports seized, and are forced to run call-centre-style cyber fraud operations.
Justice Joymalya Bagchi added that following a crackdown in Myanmar, these groups shifted operations to Thailand, urging the Centre to ensure the CBI has adequate capacity to investigate all related cases.
The Supreme Court has directed:
- All States and Union Territories to furnish details of FIRs registered in connection with digital arrest scams.
- The State of Haryana is to submit a comprehensive list of cases within one week.
- The CBI is to assess its ability to coordinate and investigate cases nationwide.
The Bench clarified that no formal counter-affidavits were required; only case details should be submitted for central coordination.
Justice Surya Kant emphasized the need for an “all-India coordinated response” to dismantle the scam networks:
“Nothing concrete can be done unless this is addressed on a national scale. If the CBI has any shortcomings, let the Court know.”
Case Title:
In Re: Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Forged Documents
SMW (Crl.) No. 3/2025
Click Here to Read Previous Reports on Digital Arrest
