PIL filed in Supreme Court against govt’s order to snoop on computers.

The recent order of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs authorizing ten security and intelligence agencies to intercept, monitor, and decrypt information has been challenged in the Supreme Court.

The order, issued on December 20, has been challenged by Advocate ML Sharma as being illegal, unconstitutional and contrary to public interest.

One of the grounds of the challenge is the apprehension that citizens may be penalized for expressing views opposing those of the government’s.

“Because impugned order has been issued to find the political opponent, thinker and speaker to control entire country under dictatorship to win coming general election under an undisclosed emergency as well as slavery which cannot be permitted within the constitution of India (sic).”

The petition also apprehends a serious danger and injury to the freedom, life and liberty of the citizens of India.

According to the government’s notification, 10 central probe and snoop agencies are now empowered under the Information Technology (IT) Act for computer interception and analysis, Ministry of Home Affairs officials said.

The 10 are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (for Income Tax Department), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, the Research and Analysis Wing, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in service areas of J-K, North East and Assam) and Delhi Police commissioner.