Panel on digital arrests formed; DoT, RBI gave detailed inputs: Centre to SC, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Centre has formed a high-level Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) to examine all aspects of digital arrests across the country.
• The Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of complaints regarding digital arrests in November-December of last year and asked the CBI to investigate.
• The IDC, headed by the Special Secretary (Internal Security), Ministry of Home Affairs, convened its first meeting in December 2025.
• The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have submitted detailed inputs to the committee.

Detailed Insights:

• The Supreme Court directed that it be informed of inter-departmental consultations on digital arrests on December 16, 2025, leading to the formation of the IDC.
• The IDC is tasked with examining issues faced by enforcement agencies, considering recommendations from the Amicus Curiae, identifying legislative gaps, and suggesting corrective measures.
• A virtual meeting was held on January 2, 2026, with the Amicus Curiae and representatives from various departments to clarify issues related to digital arrests.
• MeitY convened a meeting with IT intermediaries on January 6, 2026, to further discuss the matter, with representatives from major tech companies participating.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Digital Arrest: A form of cybercrime where individuals are falsely implicated or coerced through digital means.
• Suo Motu Cognisance: The power of a court to take up a matter on its own, without waiting for a formal complaint.
• Amicus Curiae: "Friend of the court"; an impartial advisor, often an expert, appointed by the court to provide information on a case.