Supreme Court seeks standalone law on digital arrest fraud with harsh penalties

The Supreme Court on Tuesday called for digital arrest fraud to be established as a standalone criminal offence with stringent penalties and provisions to attach the assets of accused persons. The court made the observation while the Centre informed the bench that work is underway to prepare a draft bill addressing digital arrest cases, which the government aims to present in the current session of Parliament.

Digital arrest, a cybercrime where fraudsters pose as law enforcement to extort money from victims by claiming fake legal cases, has emerged as a significant concern. The court's intervention seeks to ensure stronger legal protections and faster prosecution of such offences.