Panel To Probe Pegasus Case, Supreme Court Cites Centre's "Vague Denial"

Pegasus Snooping Case: The Supreme Court said a "vague denial from the government" is not sufficient.

Allegations of snooping using the Pegasus software are about fundamental rights and "could have a chilling effect", the Supreme Court said today, allowing the government's request to set up an inquiry panel.

"We issued notice to the government. We gave ample opportunity to the government to give details of all action taken by it. But despite repeated chances they gave limited affidavit that does not give clarity. If they had clarified they would have reduced the burden on us. But that does not mean state gets a free pass every time national security is raised," the Supreme Court said.

"The court will not encroach upon national security but that does not make the court a mute spectator. The nature of the allegations is about fundamental rights being violated. This could have chilling effect. There are also allegations of foreign agencies being involved."

The court said a "vague denial from the government" is not sufficient.