A public interest litigation (PIL) is filed in the Supreme Court challenging the legality and constitutionality of the Modi government’s ordinance for Central agencies’ vigil on all computers and mobile phones. An advocate named Manoharlal has petitioned the apex court saying the ordinance violates the freedom of expression and individual liberties enshrined in the constitution.
In the ordinance issued on December 20, the Modi government gave powers to nearly 10 Central agencies to monitor, intercept and examine all data and information in any computer in the country. These sweeping powers extend to the mobile phones as well. While the government brings this supposedly to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the country, the opposition parties have termed this as a step to harass them politically ahead of the 2019 elections.
Petitioner Manoharlal sought the intervention of the Supreme Court, saying agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Intelligence Bureau, the Enforcement Directorate, etc should be prevented from invading and intercepting the personal computers and mobile phones. This is to ensure the propriety of the rights ensured by the Constitution to the people of the country.
Right from the day one, AICC President Rahul Gandhi, TDP National President and CM Chandrababu Naidu and other opposition leaders took strong objection to the Central agencies’ vigil. They have asked where was the urgency for the government to bring it in the form of an ordinance as it is obviously not a matter of pressing interest.