SC Issues Notices to States, UTs Over Rising ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam Cases

October 27, 2025

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to all states and Union Territories in connection with the alarming rise of “digital arrest” scams — a new cybercrime trend where fraudsters impersonate police and judicial officers using forged court documents to extort money from citizens.

Bench Flags Pan-India Nature of Crime

A Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi sought details of First Information Reports (FIRs) registered in connection with such cases. The court said it was not issuing formal directions yet but aimed to ensure uniform investigation and reporting across states.

“We are not issuing directions today. We are issuing notice to the States — to ensure there is a uniform investigation,” the Bench remarked.

The Bench further observed that the scams appeared to be pan-India, or even cross-border, suggesting that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) could take over the probe for a coordinated response.

“There are more than one instances that have taken place in different parts. We are inclined to entrust the matter to the CBI in respect of all the States because this is a kind of crime which may be operating pan-India, or even across the border,” the court said.

CBI, Home Ministry Already Probing Similar Cases

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the apex court that the CBI was already investigating several similar cases, with technical assistance from the Cyber Crime Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Supporting this, Attorney General R. Venkataramani told the Bench that money-laundering networks behind such cyber frauds were often based outside India, operating from regions such as Myanmar and Thailand.

“There are money laundering gangs located outside our territory, in many parts of Asia, including Myanmar and Thailand,” said the Attorney General.

Haryana Submits FIR Details, Seeks More Time

The Haryana government, which had earlier been issued notice, informed the court that two FIRs had been registered by Ambala’s Cyber Crime Branch. The state said it had no objection if the probe was transferred to the CBI.

The Bench granted Haryana one week’s time to provide additional details about other related FIRs.

“Beside the two FIRs, there are some more FIRs pertaining to similar crimes (in Haryana). AAG seeks and is granted one week’s time to furnish the details of those FIRs,” the order recorded.

States Asked to Submit FIR Data, No Counter-Affidavits Needed

The Supreme Court directed all other states and Union Territories to furnish details of cybercrime FIRs related to “digital arrest” scams within their jurisdictions. It clarified that no formal counter-affidavit was needed at this stage — only the factual data.

“We issue notice to all the States and UTs with a direction that details of FIRs registered in their respective States pertaining to the nature of cyber crime relating to digital arrest be furnished. In this regard, no formal counter-affidavit is required,” the Bench said.

The matter will be taken up next after all state governments file their responses.