Vague denial by govt, SC forms panel to probe Pegasus case

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a probe into the Pegasus surveillance case by a three-member expert committee. The committee will be headed by Retired Supreme Court judge, Justice RV Raveendran. An IPS officer will assist him, along with officials from the National Forensic University. The committee has to "expeditiously probe" the charge and report to the court by the next hearing two months later.A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India NV Ramana and Justice Surya Kant and Justice Hima Kohl observed, there has been no specific denial by the Centre on the issue.However only a limited affidavit was filed throwing no light. If the Centre made its stand clear the burden on us would have been less," said the Chief Justice.

The Supreme Court will monitor the function of the committee.  The Court observed that while it is the era of information technology which is crucial for our daily lives, it is equally important to safeguard the privacy of citizens.The Court said, while there are restrictions on right to privacy, the same are bound by Constitutional safeguards. The Apex court said, restrictions on privacy can be imposed only for prevention of terrorist activities in the interest of national security. The court also commented on the government's statements on lawful interception for national security purposes. The state cannot get a free pass every time national security is raised, the Supreme Court adding that "in the task of upholding of fundamental rights, the state cannot be an adversary".