New Delhi, Oct. 29 -- Expressing concern over cases of digital arrest, the Supreme Court on Thursday expressed shock at how educated people are getting "arrested on mobile" despite public awareness campaigns, news reports and court orders.
"What is wrong with these victims? How are these victims being trapped like this? They can't understand this basic thing? What's fear of arrest on mobile?
"Hit the mobile on wall and arrest goes. Something is wrong with people. God knows what is there. What kind of person you are in democratic country if you think you are getting arrested on mobile," Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarked orally.
The observation came after senior advocate NS Nappinai, the amicus curiae in the case, submitted that she keeps receiving repeated inputs that while much was being done to stop digital arrests, the problem continues unabated. She told the court that a woman lost Rs 2.5 crore last week in such an incident.
The CJI then observed, "They can't understand this basic thing? What's fear of arrest on mobile? Hit the mobile on wall and arrest goes. Something wrong with people. God knows what is there. You are victimising yourself...
"We feel frustrated that all educated people are getting duped. What will you pass on to next generation if you get digitally arrested at this age? People can go to the courts website to find if there's an order," the CJI added.
The bench, also comprising Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, was hearing a suo motu case titled "In Re: Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Forged Documents" regarding massive financial fraud involving digital arrest scams.
The top court said banks must act as a "protective umbrella" for customers vulnerable to digital arrest scams.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.