Judiciary proactively responded to emerging fraudulent schemes like digital arrest: CJI
The Chief Justice of India highlighted the judiciary's proactive role in addressing modern economic crimes, specifically citing the 'digital arrest' scam. He emphasized that the court is actively intervening to protect citizens and rectify potential abuses of power by investigative agencies.
Why it matters
This reflects the ongoing tension between judicial oversight and the powers of investigative agencies in India's legal framework regarding economic crime.
In his closing address at the 43rd International Symposium on Economic Crime in London, the CJI said the Supreme Court had recently taken suo motu cognisance of the "digital arrest" scam, in which fraudsters impersonate police officers, judicial officials, or bureaucrats over video calls to dupe citizens.
"In response, the court has directed the Union and the States to evaluate the extent of this problem and has called for the establishment of a distinct offence, with penalties proportionate to the harm inflicted," he said.
"This exemplifies a broader pattern: an Indian Judiciary that proactively responds to emerging fraudulent schemes, rather than waiting for Parliament to address them," the CJI said.
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