Bail Condition To Share Live Location Violates Privacy? Supreme Court Asks Google India To Explain Working Of Google PIN

The Supreme Court has issued notice to Google India Private to get information on the working of Google PIN in the context of conditions put in certain bail orders that the accused must share the live mobile location with the investigating officer throughout the period of bail.

The Court is examining the issue whether such a condition infringes the right to privacy. The Court clarified that it is not impleading Google India as a respondent in the case and was only issuing notice to it to get information.

"The said company shall file an affidavit along with the necessary documents explaining the working of Google PIN in the context of putting a condition in the order granting bail. The issue is whether such condition infringes right to privacy," observed a bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan.

The bench passed the order after being told by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of the Government of India that as far as the working of Google PIN is concerned, it will be appropriate to seek the necessary information from Google India Private Limited.

The Court is examining two issues. One, whether bail to a foreign accused can be conditional on obtaining an assurance from the concerned Embassy that the accused will not leave India. Two, whether a condition that the accused must share the Google Pin location with the investigating officer be imposed.

The Court has prima facie expressed reservations about both conditions.

In another case as well, the Supreme Court has decided to examine the issue whether such a bail condition infringes the right to privacy.

Case title : Frank Vitus v. Narcotics Control Bureau. 

Click here to read the order