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New Delhi, Oct 17 (IANS) The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Union Home Ministry, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and other officials in a suo motu case registered over the rising number of “digital arrest” scams, where fraudsters impersonate judicial officers using forged documents to extort money from citizens, especially senior citizens.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi also sought assistance from the Attorney General of India in the case titled ‘In Re: Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Fake Documents’.
The suo motu case was registered following a letter dated September 21 submitted by Shashi Sachdeva and Harish Chand Sachdeva.
“It is submitted that the Hon’ble Court has been pleased to direct the registration of a suo moto writ petition on the basis of a letter dated 21.09.2025 sent by Ms. Shashi Sachdeva and Harish Chand Sachdeva. Accordingly, Suo Moto Writ Petition (CRL) No. 3 of 2025 has been registered,” said an office report prepared by the apex court registry.
Reportedly, a 73-year-old woman from Ambala, Haryana claimed that scammers imprisoned her in so-called ‘digital arrest’ and extorted over Rs 1 crore from her using fake Supreme Court orders. According to the letter addressed to Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, the complainant said the fraudsters prepared a fake order allegedly signed by former CJI Sanjiv Khanna.
The top court in its order said that forgery of judicial documents and misuse of the name, seal and authority of the court is a matter of serious concern.
A bench led by Justice Kant said, “Creation of judicial orders bearing forged signatures of judges attacks the very foundation of public confidence in the judicial system apart from the rule of law. Such action is a direct attack on the dignity of the institution. Such serious criminal acts cannot be construed as ordinary or regular offenses of fraud or cyber crime.” The full extent of the operation involving forged judicial documents.
Issuing notice to the Centre, CBI and Haryana government, the Supreme Court also directed Haryana Police and SP, Cyber Crime, Ambala to file a status report on the investigation conducted so far.
–IANS
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