Supreme Court Urges Compensation for Victims of Digital Arrest Amid Cybercrime Concerns

The Supreme Court has taken a significant step by directing the government to consider compensation for victims of 'digital arrest', a rising form of cybercrime. This directive comes amid growing concerns over the large sums of money lost to cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement officials. The court plans to hold an inter-ministerial meeting to discuss strategies for addressing this issue, including suggestions for a victim compensation scheme inspired by a model from the UK. This move aims to tackle the alarming trend of cyber fraud and protect citizens from such scams.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 10:13 IST

Supreme Court's Directive on Digital Arrest Victims

On Tuesday, the Supreme Court directed the central government to consider recommendations made by an amicus curiae regarding compensation for victims of 'digital arrest', while also expressing concern over the significant amounts of money siphoned off by cybercriminals from the country.

'Digital arrest' is an emerging form of cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials, court personnel, or government agency employees. They intimidate victims through audio and video calls, extorting money from them.

During the proceedings, Attorney General R. Venkataramani informed the bench, comprising Chief Justice Suryakant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, that an inter-ministerial meeting will soon be convened to discuss various strategies related to the issue of digital arrest. This meeting will include concerns raised by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and suggestions from amicus curiae N.S. Nappinai.

Chief Justice Kanta expressed astonishment at the substantial sums of money extracted from the country by these scammers. The amicus curiae proposed the initiation of a victim compensation scheme modeled after the one in the UK.