Supreme Court Initiates Pan-India Probe into Digital Arrest Scam
Fabrication of Judicial Orders for Cyber Extortion Prompts Suo Motu Action
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of a widespread "digital arrest" scam, wherein fraudsters fabricated judicial orders, including forged signatures of judges, to extort money from victims. The scam, which has been reported across various parts of the country, particularly targeted senior citizens, leveraging the prestige and authority of the judiciary to coerce victims into transferring substantial sums of money.
The judgment arose from a complaint by a senior citizen couple, defrauded of Rs.1,05,50,000 between September 3 and September 16, 2025. The victims were deceived by individuals impersonating officers from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), and judicial authorities through phone and video calls. The fraudsters presented fabricated orders from the Supreme Court via digital platforms, threatening arrest and property seizure unless payments were made.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi underscored that such acts are a direct assault on the dignity and majesty of the judiciary. They noted that the fabrication of judicial orders and misuse of judicial authority for cyber extortion constitute grave criminal acts, which cannot be treated as ordinary cyber crimes.
In response, the court has issued notices to the Union of India, CBI, State of Haryana, and Superintendent of Police, Cyber Crime, Ambala, calling for a coordinated investigation to unearth the full extent of this criminal enterprise. The Superintendent of Police, Cyber Crime, Ambala, has been directed to file a status report on the ongoing investigation. The court has also solicited the assistance of the Attorney General of India in this matter.
The judgment highlights the urgent need for stern action on a nationwide basis to combat the increasing instances of judicial document forgery and cyber extortion, ensuring the protection of vulnerable groups like senior citizens. The matter is set for further hearing on October 27, 2025.
Statutory provision(s): Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 Sections 127(2), 308(2), 318(4), 336(3), 338, 340(2), 61(2).
In Re: Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Forged Documents, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2796150
