A court order for the ages

Pegasus verdict provides an answer to question of privacy

In a democracy, how far should the Government be allowed to peep into a citizen’s privacy? The Government of India has always maintained that there is no limit to this, as long as the act is carried out in the interest of national security. The current Government has handled all Pegasus-related issues on the basis of this premise. The Supreme Court’s recent decision provides a definitive answer to this question.

The top court said national security was not a pass for the Government to spy on its own citizens. The expert committee instituted by it is mandated by stringent terms of reference. It is worth noting that the court refused to accept the Government’s suggestion for a Government-sponsored commission to investigate the matter. As a result, “we the people” would like to call it a landmark decision. The ruling was made in accordance with the fundamental right to privacy.