The Supreme Court of India has issued a comprehensive set of directions aimed at combatting digital arrest scams across the nation. This decision was announced on August 4, 2026, by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, following a review of a report from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

The emphasis is on formulating a standard operating procedure (SOP) regarding mule accounts, with the Reserve Bank of India instructed to establish this framework within four weeks. Additionally, the court has called for accelerated implementation of mechanisms for addressing cyber fraud complaints throughout India.

Implementation of Grievance Redressal Mechanisms

A critical component of the court’s directives involves the initiation of the Grievance Redressal Module and the Money Restoration Module, as outlined in the Ministry of Home Affairs’ SOP issued earlier this year. All States and Union Territories are urged to operationalise these modules promptly.

In an effort to enhance public awareness regarding digital arrest scams, the states have been called upon to conduct awareness campaigns focusing on available reporting channels and remedial mechanisms. The Supreme Court has mandated that the SOP be shared with the Registrars General of all High Courts to inform the courts managing bank account freezing cases about these grievance procedures.

Furthermore, affected individuals are encouraged to utilise these resources before resorting to statutory or constitutional rights, allowing them to seek swift resolution of their concerns.

Directives for Cyber Crime Coordination and Industry Collaboration

The Supreme Court’s instructions also extend to States that are yet to establish their State Cyber Crime Coordination Centres, with a deadline of four weeks set for compliance. Additionally, these states are advised to incorporate the e-Zero FIR mechanism in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.

Judicial authorities have been instructed to prioritise the expeditious handling of bank account freezing cases resulting from cyber-related financial crimes. The Supreme Court has called for the Inter-Departmental Committee to hold consultations with banks and relevant intermediaries to explore and implement technological solutions aimed at deterring digital arrest scams, facilitating the recovery of defrauded funds, and ensuring compliance with relevant legal obligations.

Moreover, the court has directed the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Department of Telecommunications, and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre to collaboratively evaluate proposals for imposing time-based restrictions on telecom services pertaining to audio and video calls. This measure is designed to enhance the efficacy of counteracting such fraudulent activities.

Next Steps and Future Hearings

The next hearing regarding this matter is scheduled for September 16, 2026. At that time, the Supreme Court will review a newly consolidated status report. This report is expected to contain detailed State-wise and bank-wise information on registered and resolved grievances, summaries of monetary restoration actions, and details on funds returned to victims.

The bench is addressing this issue within the context of a suo motu proceeding initiated in response to the escalating occurrences of digital arrest scams. Last year, the apex court had taken cognisance of incidents where criminals misrepresented themselves as law enforcement or judicial officials to defraud individuals, particularly targeting seniors.

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