Supreme Court Mandates SOPs to Combat Rising 'Digital Arrest' Fraud

The Supreme Court has directed the Reserve Bank of India to establish a nationwide protocol to curb 'digital arrests', where victims are coerced into transferring funds under false legal threats.

The new mandate requires time-bound refund mechanisms and the implementation of a 'Zero FIR' system, which is already operational in 19 states to expedite cybercrime reporting.

Government data shows a significant decline in reported cybercrime cases, dropping from 1.2 lakh in 2024 to 16,377 currently, following intensified enforcement and awareness campaigns.