Matter Of Grave Concern: Supreme Court Takes Suo-Motu Cognizance Of "Digital Arrest" Scam Targeting Elderly Couple

The Supreme Court has taken suo-motu cognizance of the "digital arrest" scam targeting elderly couple in Haryana, observing that it is a matter of grave concern.

The Court emphasized that the present case is not a solitary instance and the same is happening across the country.

The Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi observed, "The forgery of documents and the brazen criminal misuse of the name, seal, and judicial authority of this Court or a High Court is a matter of grave concern. The fabrication of judicial orders bearing forged signatures of Judges strikes at the very foundation of public trust in the judicial system, besides the rule of law. Such acts constitute a direct assault on the dignity and majesty of this institution, therefore, such grave criminal acts cannot be treated as ordinary or routine offences of cheating or cybercrime."

A senior citizen couple, who have been defrauded of their life savings through a “digital arrest” scam had written to the Supreme Court. The victims alleged that they were contacted by persons impersonating CBI officers, ED officials and judicial authorities through telephone and video calls. The fraudsters displayed forged orders of the Supreme Court through WhatsApp and video conferencing. Under threat of arrest and property seizure, based upon those forged documents, the victims were coerced to transfer Rs.1,05,50,000 through multiple bank transactions.

The Court was aghast at the fact that the fraudsters have fabricated judicial orders in the name of the Supreme Court of India and various other documents.

Signaling that it is one of the incident in a chain of organized crime, the Court observed, "...We are, therefore of the prima facie view that a stern action on Pan India basis with coordinated efforts between the Central and State Police are required to unearth the full extent of this criminal enterprise involving forgery of judicial documents, cyber extortion and cyber arrest of the innocent people, especially the senior citizens."

Notices were thus issued to the Union of India, Central Bureau of Investigation, State of Haryana, Superintendent of Police, Cyber Crime, Ambala.

The matter was accordingly listed for October 27, 2025.

Cause Title: In Re- Victims of Digital Arrest Related To Forged Documents

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