Supreme Court On Pegasus Spyware Petition: Independent Panel to Probe Allegations, Says State Cannot Get Free Pass Every Time By Raising National Security Concerns

On October 27, the Supreme Court of India formed an independent committee of technical experts to conduct an inquiry into allegations of use of Pegasus software for unauthorised surveillance. It has been alleged that Israeli-made Pegasus software was used to snoop on journalists, activists and politicians in India. The bench comprising Chief Justice NV Ramana and Justices Hima Kohli and Surya Kant said the government could not give any clarity despite being given ample opportunity. It said there had been no specific denial by the Centre. The Supreme Court said, “In today's world, restrictions on privacy is to prevent terrorism activity and can only be imposed when needed to protect national security. But the state cannot get a free pass every time by raising national security concerns.” Watch the video to know more.