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Introduction The Supreme Court of India has taken suo motu cognizance of the alarming rise in “digital arrest” scams , a new-age cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or judicial authorities to extort money from unsuspecting victims. Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, the apex court has sought detailed information from all states and union territories (UTs) within one week on pending investigations related to such cases. A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi has also indicated the possibility of assigning the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to undertake a nationwide probe, given the cross-border nature and complexity of these crimes. Understanding the ‘Digital Arrest’ Phenomenon The term “digital arrest” refers to a sophisticated cybercrime method where perpetrators impersonate police officers, CBI officials, or judges , often using forged court orders , fake video calls , and fabricated legal documents to deceive victims. ...

Supreme Court Directs Special PMLA Court to Withhold Judgment Until Charges Are Framed in CBI Case In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India directed a  Special Court under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to refrain from passing a final judgment in a money laundering case until charges are framed in a related Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) offence. This decision emphasizes the importance of coordination between parallel proceedings under the PMLA and the CBI’s investigation into predicate offences. The Bench, comprising Justice Bela M. Trivedi ** and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma , delivered the ruling on Tuesday, stating that although the PMLA trial may continue in accordance with the law, the Special Court must withhold its judgment until the charges are framed in the CBI’s predicate offence case. Background of the Case The case in question involves a Hong Kong-based company director **, implicated in a large-scale financial fraud involving Pun...

Supreme Court Expresses Concern Over CBI’s Disturbing Findings in Kolkata Doctor’s Rape and Murder Case In a recent hearing, the Supreme Court of India voiced its deep concern regarding the disturbing findings presented by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the ongoing investigation into the rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital , a state-run facility in Kolkata, West Bengal . The case, which the Supreme Court took up suo motu , has brought attention to severe discrepancies in the investigation, particularly in the handling of evidence and the overall probe process. CBI’s Findings Raise Alarm in the Court A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud , along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra , expressed their dismay after reviewing the status report submitted by the CBI. The court stated that the findings in the report are "really disturbing," and echoed concerns raised by a lawyer regarding inconsistencies, such ...

Supreme Court Grants Bail to Arvind Kejriwal in  Delhi Excise Policy Case, Upholds Legality of Arrest In a recent Supreme Court decision, the appeals in Criminal Appeal Nos. 3816 and 3817 of 2024 involving Arvind Kejriwal versus the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) were addressed. These appeals arise from a Special Leave Petition challenging Kejriwal's arrest by the CBI in relation to alleged irregularities and conspiracy surrounding the Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22. Background of the Case 1. FIR and Allegations: The CBI filed an FIR on 17 August 2022, accusing officials in the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) of engaging in conspiracy and corruption while implementing the Excise Policy 2021-2022. This policy allegedly involved undue benefits to certain liquor wholesalers and retailers. Though Kejriwal’s name was not initially mentioned in the FIR, his arrest came after further investigation by the CBI and the Directorate of Enforcement (ED).   ...