Problem Will “Magnify” Without Stringent Action: SC Expresses Shock Over ₹3,000 Crore ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam
Supreme Court while hearing a suo motu PIL on the ‘Digital Arrest Scam’, noted that the cyber fraud has defrauded Indians of over ₹3,000 crore and vowed stringent judicial intervention
SC expresses alarm over ₹3,000 crore ‘Digital Arrest’ scam; vows “iron-handed” action to protect citizens
The Supreme Court on Monday expressed grave concern over the scale of the nationwide “Digital Arrest Scam,” observing that nearly ₹3,000 crore has already been extorted from victims across India.
Justice Surya Kant, heading the Bench, remarked that the situation is “very shocking” and warned that if the menace is not tackled with “iron hands,” it will only “magnify.”
Hearing the suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the issue, Justice Kant noted, “₹3,000 crores has been collected from victims in our country alone. We don’t know what’s the suffering at the global level.”
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Union Government, agreed with the Bench’s observation, stating, “Yes, it is beyond our comprehension.”
Justice Kant informed that the court had examined reports submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in sealed cover. “Based on the reports given to us, we’ve prepared a brief note. We’ll not share it with anyone. Some very positive and salutary suggestions are coming, that can effectively address this challenge; but it’s a very big challenge,” the judge said.
The Bench added that it would appoint a “domain expert” to assist the court in addressing the rapidly expanding cyber fraud crisis. “We’ll hear everyone but we’ll keep only one amicus,” Justice Kant said.
During the hearing, the Solicitor General pointed out that elderly citizens were among the worst affected. “Most of the victims are aged people, that’s the most pathetic part,” Mehta told the court.
Justice Kant echoed the concern, observing that the mode and operation of these scams were “very, very shocking.” “Right now, if we ignore it and are not able to pass very harsh and stringent judicial orders, the problem will magnify. Therefore, we are determined to deal with it with iron hands,” he said.
The Court took on record two sealed-cover reports submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and CBI, which were “opened, perused, and resealed” during the hearing. One copy of each will be shared with the amicus curiae appointed by the court.
The matter will now be taken up for further directions on November 10.
Notably, on October 27, the Court had handed over two Haryana FIRs to CBI, sought nationwide data on fake SC order and “digital arrest” scams; flagged cross-border syndicates operating from Myanmar and Thailand. The Bench also issued notice to all States and Union Territories, directing them to submit details of similar cybercrime cases under investigation.
Earlier, on October 17, the Court had taken suo motu cognisance of the alarming surge in ‘digital arrest’ scams. While taking note of the complaint, the Court had observed that the case discloses a pattern of organised cybercrime targeting senior citizens. Between September 1 and 16, multiple victims were contacted through WhatsApp and video calls, shown forged Supreme Court orders, and threatened with arrest under fabricated proceedings. The victims, under duress, transferred about Rs.1.5 crore through multiple transactions.
The Bench had expressed strong disapproval of the misuse of the Supreme Court’s name, saying it was “aghast” that fraudsters had fabricated multiple judicial orders, including a forged freeze order dated September 1 purportedly issued under the PMLA, complete with fake signatures of a judge, an ED officer, and a court seal.
Calling for stern and coordinated action at the national level, the Court issued notice to the Union of India (through the MHA Secretary), the CBI Director, the State of Haryana, and the Cyber Crime Department, Ambala. It had further requested the Attorney General of India (AGI) R. Venkataramani to assist the Court in the matter.
Case Title: In Re: Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Forged Documents
Hearing Date: November 3, 2025
Bench: Justices Surya Kant, Ujjal Bhuyan and Joymalya Bagchi