Law doesn’t arrest online: Justice Surya Kant leads drive against ‘digital arrest’ scams 

When the phone rings, and the voice on the other end introduces itself as an officer from a “Cyber Crime Department” or a “Law Enforcement Cell,” the first instinct for many—especially elderly citizens—is fear.

The caller sounds official, sometimes threatening, sometimes sympathetic.

They may even flash a fake ID over a video call or send a forged “notice.” The next thing they demand is money—“bail,” “verification fee,” or “security deposit.”

That fear—calculated, coerced, and criminal—is exactly what the latest public awareness campaign by the State Legal Services Authority, UT Chandigarh, seeks to fight.

Launched under the guidance of Justice Surya Kant and Executive Chairman, National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), along with Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court and Justice Deepak Sibal, Executive Chairman, State Legal Services Authority, UT Chandigarh, the campaign aims to protect ordinary citizens—particularly senior citizens and pensioners—from the fast-growing menace of “digital arrest” scams.

The menace of digital arrest

In this new-age fraud, cybercriminals impersonate police officers, CBI officials, or government representatives. Victims are told they are under investigation, that their Aadhaar or bank account is linked to a crime, and that they must “cooperate” to avoid arrest. In some cases, they are made to stay on video calls for hours—virtually “under arrest”—until they transfer money.

“Law doesn’t arrest online,” declares the central message of the campaign. It reminds citizens that no genuine government or law enforcement agency ever demands money or personal information over phone calls or video chats.

Information where it matters most

To make the message reach those most vulnerable, the awareness material—pamphlets and posters—will be displayed prominently at banks, post offices, hospitals, government offices, court complexes, and other public spaces frequently visited by senior citizens and pensioners.

The pamphlets explain, in clear language, the modus operandi of scammers, simple preventive steps, and the legal remedies available to victims. They advise citizens to stay calm, hang up, and immediately report such incidents to the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or the online portal cybercrime.gov.in.

Free legal help—A call away

What sets this initiative apart is its integration of legal support. Victims or those in doubt can call the NALSA Helpline Number 15100, where they will receive free legal advice and guidance to the nearest Front Office staffed by retainer lawyers at the Taluka, District, or High Court level.

If found eligible under legal aid criteria, callers will also receive free legal aid to safeguard their rights. The Legal Services Authorities will coordinate with Cybercrime units to ensure that victims’ complaints are pursued effectively.

A justice-led initiative

The campaign reflects a growing judicial concern over the psychological and financial toll such scams have on ordinary citizens. Justice Surya Kant, known for championing legal literacy and citizens’ rights, has often emphasized that “access to justice begins with awareness.” Under his leadership, NALSA has transformed from a legal aid mechanism into a grassroots movement that connects law with daily life.

Justice Sibal’s efforts ensure that the initiative doesn’t remain confined to awareness material but translates into community outreach and real-time assistance.

Beyond warnings—empowerment

As Justice Sibal explains, “This is not just about warning people; it’s about empowering them. The goal is to ensure that citizens—especially senior citizens—know that help is available, justice is accessible, and the law stands with them.”

Arun Kumar Aggarwal, Member Secretary, State Legal Services Authority, UT Chandigarh, adds: "In a world where fear travels faster than fact, the campaign reminds every citizen of a simple truth: The law never calls to arrest. It calls to protect. So, the next time a “police officer” on video tells you to pay or face arrest—remember, hang up. Then call 1930 or 15100 instead because law doesn’t arrest online. It empowers offline," he concludes