SG: My case is simple. There is a statutory regime in place. Interception per se is not an impermissible activity. All technologies can be used and abused. Govt's commitment becomes apparent from the fact that it says let all these issues go before domain experts.
Now Solicitor General responds.
SG: I want to put things in correct perspective. The Govt can't afford to be sensationalizing the issue. There is a marginal difference between protecting the rights of citizens and entering the zone where we will compromise national security.
Sharma says in Bhima Koregaon case evidences were planted against civil rights activists.
Sharma: Please pass over. I will come back after 30 mins.
CJI: Mr. Sharma, don't stall the hearings.
CJI: Is it your case that the govt has used malware to fix you in any case.
Sharma: Yes. Suddenly your lordship has given me opportunity to argue.
CJI: Suddenly? You were here from morning.
Sharma: I was under impression I will not get opportunity to argue properly.
CJI: Is it your case that the government has implanted any document in your device? Who is the petitioner?
ML Sharma: I am the petitioner in person.
CJI: Is it your case that the govt has used malware against you?
Sharma says Pegasus can be used to implant documents in device. Investigating agencies can create evidence, he says.
Sharma says other petitions are based on newspaper reports and his case is different.
CJI: Then we will de-tag your petition from other cases.
Sharma: One day, your lordship's colleague judge said, I forgot his name...
CJI: Is this the way you argue? You don't know the name of the judge?. Are you not practicing in this court?
Solicitor General says Sharma referring to judge as "colleague judge" is inappropriate.
Gonsalves refers to reports about what other countries have done in this issue.
CJI: We are not concerned about other countries. We will consider these issues later. We are at interim stage.