Pegasus row: What’s the problem in filing affidavit before us, SC asks Centre

The SC has issued a notice to the Centre and asked it to respond to petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into Pegasus snooping

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to the Centre and asked it to respond to a batch of petitions seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged Pegasus snooping on politicians, activists, journalists and many others.

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana said it will decide what to do in future, including whether a government request for permission to set up a committee of independent experts to examine all aspects should be allowed.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta reiterated that the matter was of national security. "These are national security issues and we cannot hide anything from court. This has to be before a committee and cannot be a subject to public debate. Some web portals are weaving narrative that some software is used...If I ask the government to divulge this fact before the Court, then I will fail in my duty," Bar and Bench quoted Mehta as saying. " He also said that "whether or not the government uses surveillance software would put it at a disadvantage."

To which Justice Kant replied, "We as a Court and you as the SG and all lawyers as officers of the Court, none of us would like to compromise the security of the nation. For the defence of the nation, we are not going to disclose anything... Here, some persons of eminence are alleging snooping and hacking of phones. Now this can also be done, but only with permission of competent authority. What is the problem if the authority files an affidavit before us?"

Mehta said, "What is intended should come by an affidavit before you or a report by the committee. I am not saying I won't say to anyone, I am only saying I won't tell this publicly. We can be before the expert committee." The bench said it will hear the matter after 10 days.

10
No. of days after which SC will hear the matter again

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