The Delhi High Court on Friday called for a response from the Central Government regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that addresses the rising concern over “new age” cyber crimes, including phenomena such as “digital arrests.” The bench, comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhayaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, granted four weeks for the Centre to file a counter-affidavit and scheduled the next hearing for March 19.
The PIL, filed by advocates Akshya and Urvashi Bhatia, highlights an alarming trend in cyber crimes where criminals employ sophisticated tactics to forge court orders, FIRs, and arrest warrants. These forged documents are then used to extort money from unsuspecting victims under the guise of legal threats. This new modus operandi, termed “digital arrest,” has raised significant concerns about the integrity and functionality of the criminal justice system.
In 2024, the high court issued notices to several key stakeholders, including the Delhi Government, Delhi Police, and the Reserve Bank of India, seeking their input on the matter. The petitioners have urged the court to direct the creation of more awareness and to simplify the procedures for filing complaints against such cyber crimes.
One of the petitioners was personally targeted by a cyber scam involving a forged warrant of arrest, purportedly issued by a Delhi court. This incident underscores the sophisticated nature of the threat and the urgent need for effective countermeasures.
The plea also pointed out the lack of coordination among various governmental authorities, which hampers the swift investigation and prevention of these crimes. It has called for guidelines to enhance inter-agency cooperation to ensure quicker investigations and prevent the transfer of crime proceeds.
