The Supreme Court on Friday took suo motu cognisance of digital arrest scams after a senior citizen couple from Haryana’s Ambala complained that they were defrauded of their life savings through a scheme involving forged judicial documents.
A bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi heard the matter.
In their complaint, the couple alleged that between September 3 and 16, 2025, they were contacted by persons impersonating CBI officers and other authorities through phone and video calls.
The fraudsters displayed court orders of the Supreme Court through WhatsApp and video conferences, and under the threat of arrest and seizure of properties, compelled the couple to transfer Rs 1.5 crore through multiple bank transactions.
Observing
the gravity of the offence, the bench remarked, “The forgery of documents and the criminal misuse of the name, seal and judicial authority of this court or High Court is a matter of grave concern.”
The court further stated, “The fabrication of judicial orders bearing forged signatures of the judges strikes at the very foundation of the public trust in the judicial system besides the rule of law.”
“Such action constituted a direct assault on the dignity of the institution. Such a grave criminal act cannot be treated as an ordinary or routine offence of cheating or cyber crime,” it said.
Taking note of similar incidents reported in different parts of the country, the bench said, “Action and coordinated efforts between the central and state police are required to unearth the full extent of the enterprise involving forging judicial documents, extortion/robbery of innocent people, most importantly, the senior citizens.”
Further, the court issued notices to the Union of India through the Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the CBI through its Director, the Principal Secretary Department of Home, and the SP Cyber Crime at Ambala.
It also sought the assistance of the Attorney General of India.
The State of Haryana and Superintendent of Police, Cyber Crime, Ambala, have also been directed to file a status report on the investigation conducted so far.
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