In a significant development on Monday, October 27, 2025, the Supreme Court indicated its strong preference to hand over all investigations concerning ‘digital arrest’ scams to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This decision stems from the alarming scale and nationwide reach of these intricate cybercrimes. The Court has requested detailed reports on all First Information Reports (FIRs) filed across various States and Union Territories pertaining to these incidents.
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi has formally issued notices to all States and Union Territories, demanding immediate action and information regarding digital arrest cases. The court will revisit these suo motu (on its own motion) cases, initially filed based on a complaint from an elderly woman who was defrauded, on November 3.
The Supreme Court acknowledged Solicitor General Tushar Mehta’s submission on behalf of the CBI, which highlighted that many of these cybercrime and digital arrest cases originate from international locations such as Myanmar and Thailand. Consequently, the apex court has instructed the CBI to devise a comprehensive strategy for investigating these complex cross-border frauds.
The Bench affirmed its commitment to actively oversee the CBI’s investigation progress, pledging to issue any necessary directives to ensure a thorough and effective probe.
Furthermore, the Court has questioned the CBI regarding its resource requirements, specifically inquiring if additional support, including cyber experts from outside the police force, is needed to effectively tackle these digital arrest cases.
Earlier, on October 17, the Supreme Court had expressed profound concern over the escalating instances of online fraud nationwide, particularly ‘digital arrests’ where fraudsters manipulate citizens using fabricated judicial orders. The Court emphasized that such deceptive practices severely undermine the public’s trust in the legal and administrative systems, and had sought responses from both the Central government and the CBI.
A particularly distressing case that caught the Supreme Court’s attention involved an elderly couple in Ambala, Haryana, who were subjected to a ‘digital arrest’ based on forged court and investigative agency orders. Fraudsters extorted a staggering ₹1.05 crore from them through this elaborate scheme.
The Bench clarified that these are not mere isolated crimes that can be left to local police to simply expedite. Instead, they represent a vast criminal network requiring meticulous and coordinated efforts between Central and State police forces to fully uncover the extent of the fraudulent operations.