The Supreme Court has taken a firm stance against the increasingly prevalent ‘digital arrest’ scams. These scams involve criminals impersonating law enforcement, intelligence officers, or even judges, using fabricated court orders and fake proceedings to deceive and defraud victims, particularly senior citizens. The court’s intervention was prompted by a heartfelt letter from a 73-year-old woman in Ambala, Haryana, who, along with her husband, was allegedly coerced into transferring over ₹1 crore by fraudsters using forged documents, including one bearing the signature of a former Chief Justice of India.
In response, the court has registered a new case titled “In Re: Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Forged Documents.” Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi expressed grave concern over the escalating instances of judicial forgery and the blatant misuse of judicial authority by cybercriminals. They emphasized that such acts are not merely cheating or cyber fraud but a direct assault on the judiciary’s dignity and public trust, undermining the very foundation of the justice system.
The court was particularly alarmed to find that fraudsters had created multiple fake Supreme Court orders, including a purported ‘freeze order’ allegedly issued under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, complete with forged signatures of judges and Enforcement Directorate officials, and even a counterfeit court seal. The bench highlighted that these criminal acts are a serious threat not only to individuals but also to the institution of the judiciary itself.
The scams appear to be highly organized, targeting vulnerable elderly citizens who may be isolated or easily intimidated. The fraudsters meticulously use technology and fake identities to instill fear, leading victims to comply with their demands. The Ambala couple’s case, where they were defrauded of nearly ₹1.5 crore within a two-week period through a series of threats and manipulated digital communications, exemplifies the severity of these operations.
Recognizing the nationwide implications, the Supreme Court has called for a coordinated, pan-India response. Notices have been issued to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the CBI Director, the Haryana government, and the Superintendent of Police, Cyber Crime, Ambala. The court has also sought the assistance of the Attorney General to formulate effective legal and administrative measures to combat this growing menace. The Haryana Cyber Crime police have been directed to submit a status report on the ongoing investigations into the registered FIRs, which suggest a multi-state criminal network.
The Supreme Court reiterated its commitment to protecting the public’s trust in the judiciary, stating, “The court cannot remain a mute spectator when its name, seal, and authority are being used to terrorize and defraud citizens.” The court stressed that addressing forged judicial orders requires utmost seriousness, as it constitutes an assault on justice itself.