The Supreme Court has taken serious note of the alarming rise in digital arrest scams, observing that staggering amounts of money have been siphoned off from citizens. The Court has sought detailed inputs from the CBI to address the growing cyber fraud menace.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday heard a suo motu case concerning the alarming rise in “digital arrest” scams reported across the country, highlighting the massive financial losses suffered by citizens due to cyber fraud.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi expressed serious concern over the scale of money siphoned off from India through such scams and emphasized the need for coordinated action by all stakeholders.
ALSO READ: Digital Arrest Scams Must Be Stopped: Supreme Court Directs CBI to Act Immediately
Addressing the Attorney General, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant observed that the magnitude of financial fraud involved in digital arrest scams is “truly shocking.”
“If one looks at the staggering amounts of money siphoned off from India, it is truly shocking. We have no reason to doubt that all stakeholders, under the guidance of the Attorney General, will take all necessary steps,”
the CJI remarked.
The Court also noted that suggestions made by the amicus curiae in the matter should be duly considered while formulating preventive and corrective measures.
Responding to the Court, the Attorney General (AG) informed the Bench that inter-departmental and inter-ministerial consultations are necessary to address the issue effectively.
“The CBI has shared certain inputs, and there has been good progress,”
the AG submitted.
The Bench directed that the inputs shared by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) be formally placed on record for further judicial consideration.
“Let those inputs be placed on record. If the CBI requires any further directions from this Court, an appropriate application may be moved,”
the CJI stated.
Previous Developments
Earlier, the Supreme Court directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to immediately begin a detailed investigation into digital arrest scams operating across India, citing the growing menace of cyber fraud and its severe impact on citizens, particularly senior citizens.
The Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi noted that among various cybercrimes flagged by the amicus curiae, digital arrest scams require urgent priority, ahead of investment and part-time job scams. The Court made it clear that the CBI must first focus on digital arrest cases, with other categories to be examined at later stages.
To ensure an effective probe, the Court empowered the CBI to examine the role of bank officials under the Prevention of Corruption Act, sought inputs from the Reserve Bank of India on using AI and machine learning to flag suspicious accounts, and directed IT intermediaries to cooperate fully with investigators. States were also asked to grant consent for CBI investigations to enable a comprehensive pan-India inquiry, with the option of seeking Interpol’s assistance where cross-border links are found.
The Court further instructed States to expedite the setting up of cybercrime centres and directed the Department of Telecommunications to suggest safeguards against the misuse of SIM cards. Emphasising the vulnerability of victims, the Bench stressed that cases involving senior citizens must be investigated on priority.
Case Title:
IN RE: VICTIMS OF DIGITAL ARREST RELATED TO FORGED DOCUMENTS
SMW(Crl) No. 3/2025
READ LIVE COVERAGE
Click Here to Read More Reports on Digital Arrest Scams
