Why are Indians continuing to fall prey to digital arrest scams, asks CJI Kant

Chief Justice Surya Kant on Thursday asked why Indians were continuing to fall prey to digital arrest scams despite public awareness campaigns, media coverage and judicial intervention, Live Law reported.

A Supreme Court bench of Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana was hearing a suo motu case concerning the growing prevalence of such cyber frauds.

During the hearing, advocate NS Nappinai, appointed as amicus curiae, informed the bench of a recent case in which a woman lost Rs 2.5 crore to a digital arrest scam.

An amicus curiae is an impartial legal expert appointed by the court to assist it in complex legal matters, public interest litigation, or cases where a party is unrepresented.

Expressing concern about the prevalence of digital scams, the chief justice asked: “What we are shocked about – why are people not realising.”

“What is wrong with victims?” added Kant. “Are they not normal persons?”

He further remarked: “What kind of person [are you] in a democratic country if you think you are getting arrested on mobile? Hit the mobile on the wall and the arrest goes.”

The amicus curiae submitted that the fear of arrest was a major factor driving persons to comply with the demands of fraudsters. She added that some psychologists had described the pressure exerted on victims...

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