In the latest update regarding the Pegasus snooping case, the Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Central government on the petitions seeking an investigation into the alleged use of Pegasus to snoop on civilians.
Bench Schedules Matter For Another 10 Days
This comes after the bench had said that they expect a comprehensive reply from the Central government. However, they had sent a two page limited affidavit. Following which, the bench headed by Chief Justice NV Ramana had issued a notice and scheduled the matter for another 10 days.
The bench comprising of Justices Surya Kant an Aniruddha Bose observed that the two page affidavit filed by the Centre was not enough to answer to the concerns raised by the petitioners.
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“We expected a comprehensive reply, but you filed a limited affidavit”, noted the Chief Justice, listing the matter for further hearing after 10 days.
Solicitor General Refuses Information In Public Domain
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who represents the Centre said that the government is prepared to place the facts before a technical committee which would include both neutral and independent experts.
He said that an expert committee can examine the facts and submit a report with the Supreme Court. However, they cannot reveal the details relating to national security.
The Centre refused to disclose whether it used Pegasus or not. Justice Bose then asked Mehta if he was sure that he had nothing more to add.
To this, Mehta responded that he cannot reveal information in the public domain as to what software will be used by the government. As some may use it to their advantage. During the hearing, the bench noted that the Centre does not want to disclose anything that would compromise the national security or defence of the country.
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The bench said that the competent authority may file an affidavit revealing as much information as they can.
