Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on November 17 directed that the accused in the case involving a 72‑year‑old Advocate‑on‑Record (AoR), who was defrauded of Rs 3.29 crore in a “digital arrest” scam, will not be granted bail by any subordinate court during the pendency of the investigation and until further orders of the apex court.
A Bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi passed the direction while allowing the intervention application filed by the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA), which brought the victim’s ordeal to the top court’s attention.
“The accused shall not be released on bail by any court during the investigation. If they seek any relief, they may approach this court,” the Bench ordered, after SCAORA submitted that the 90-day period for default bail was about to expire.
Appearing for SCAORA, advocate Vipin Nair, accompanied by Secretary Nikhil Jain, Astha Sharma, and Kaustabh Shukla, highlighted how advocate Hemantika Wahi was trapped in a “digital arrest” scam.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought an adjournment due to his engagement before another Bench, but supported SCAORA’s application and informed the Bench that he had personally interacted with the victim.
The Supreme Court thereafter permitted SCAORA to assist it in the matter on the next hearing. In its application, SCAORA said the case “exemplifies the procedural vacuum and investigative paralysis” surrounding such crimes.
The bar body submitted that such scams “gravely undermine the right to personal liberty under Article 21”, with fraudsters impersonating police, CBI or judicial officials, coercing victims through video calls and digital intimidation.
