In a significant move to combat sophisticated cyber fraud, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take charge of a nationwide investigation into the rising menace of 'digital arrest' scams. The apex court emphasized that the issue demands urgent and focused attention from the country's premier investigative agency.
CBI Gets Sweeping Powers for Pan-India Probe
A bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued the directive on Monday, December 1, 2025. The court stated that the CBI's investigation will initially focus squarely on digital arrest scams, with other categories of cyber crimes to be examined in later phases. The court empowered the CBI to probe the role of bankers under the Prevention of Corruption Act, particularly concerning 'mule accounts' opened specifically to facilitate these scams.
Recognizing jurisdictional hurdles, the Supreme Court also addressed the issue of general consent for the CBI. It asked those states that have withdrawn such consent to grant it specifically for this investigation, enabling the agency to conduct comprehensive, pan-India action without legal impediments.
Court Seeks RBI's Tech Input and Global Cooperation
The court has cast a wide net for collaboration in this crackdown. It has asked the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to examine and advise whether artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning tools can be deployed to swiftly identify suspicious bank accounts and freeze the proceeds of crime. This highlights the judiciary's push for technological solutions to modern crimes.
Furthermore, given the potential cross-border links of these criminal networks, the Supreme Court has authorized the CBI to seek assistance from Interpol authorities as needed. Authorities under the Information Technology Intermediary Rules 2021 have also been instructed to provide full cooperation to the CBI during the investigation.
Focus on Telecom Lapses and State Cyber Hubs
The Supreme Court issued a clear warning to telecom service providers. It stated that if the CBI probe exposes negligent practices in issuing SIM cards, including multiple SIMs under one name, the Department of Telecom (DoT) must submit a formal proposal to the court on preventing such misuse.
Additionally, the bench turned its attention to state-level infrastructure, directing states that have not yet established dedicated cybercrime centres to do so without further delay. They were asked to inform the court if any difficulties arise in setting up these crucial hubs.
The court's intervention stems from a suo motu cognizance taken based on a complaint from a senior citizen couple from Ambala, Haryana. The couple alleged they were defrauded of a staggering Rs 1.05 crore by digital arrest fraudsters who used forged orders purportedly from the Supreme Court, Bombay High Court, and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to threaten them. Following an initial hearing on October 17, 2025, where responses were sought from the Home Ministry and CBI, the court has now moved to consolidate and escalate the investigative response to this alarming trend.
