Supreme Court Initiates Suo Motu Action on Rising ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the increasing “digital arrest” scams in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from citizens.

The Court noted the grave threat these cybercrimes pose to personal liberty under Article 21 and public trust in legal institutions.

The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) sought intervention, urging comprehensive action to curb the menace. The Court emphasised the need for stricter enforcement of existing cyber laws and enhanced cross-border cooperation to apprehend offenders.

The initiative marks a significant step toward addressing digital extortion tactics exploiting fear of prosecution through virtual intimidation.

[In Re: Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Forged Documents]