Clarifications on the Report on Tapping of Telephones

There have been a number of articles on the Cabinet Secretary’s report regarding tapping of telephones which appeared in some section of the media. It is important that the correct factual position is presented to the media.

The provisions for authorization of interception are contained in Section 5(2) of Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 read with Rule 419(A) of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 as well as Section 69 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 read with Information Technology (Directions for Interception or Monitoring or Decryption of Information) Rules, 2009.

Interception of telephones without public emergency or public safety at stake is illegal: Cabinet Secy

The Cabinet Secretary Mr. K. M. Chandrasekhar has said that interception of telephones without public emergency or public safety at stake is not in accordance with law. He said this has also been interpreted by the Supreme Court while dealing with several such cases.