Pegasus Scandal: West Bengal Commission Of Inquiry Seeks Information From Stakeholders

The Commission of Inquiry comprising Justice Madan B. Lokur, former Supreme Court judge and Justice Jyotirmay Bhattacharya, former Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court released a public notice in all major newspapers on Thursday seeking information from the public and concerned stakeholders regarding allegations pertaining to the Pegasus spyware scandal.

The Commission had been constituted by Chief Minster Mamata Banerjee on July 26 pursuant to the powers conferred by Section 3 sub sections (1) and (2) of the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952. 

News portal The Wire along with 16 other media organisations had recently uncovered a 'snoop list' that showed that activists, politicians, journalists, judges and several others were the potential targets of cyber-surveillance conducted through the Israeli firm NSO Group's Pegasus software. 

"Notice is hereby given that all individuals, group of persons, associations, institutions and organisations acquainted with or having knowledge directly or indirectly, of the facts and circumstances relating to the matters referred to the Commission in its Terms and Reference and having interest in the proceedings before the Commission, may furnish their statement relating and relevant to the aforementioned matter to the Commission personally or through registered speed post or courier or electronic mail", the notice read. 

Further, it was specified in the notice that information has to be furnished strictly within 30 days of the publication of the notice as the inquiry is 'time bound"  (the Commission has been directed by the West Bengal government to submit a report within 6 months). 

Any information or relevant statements can be mailed to lokur.jb-coi@bangla.gov.in or sent through registered speed post at the official address of the Commission- NKDA Building at 001, Major Arterial Road, New Town, Kolkata- 700156. 

Furthermore it was directed that any statement furnished has to be accompanied by an Affidavit sworn in support of the averments made in the statement before a Metropolitan Magistrate or a Judicial Magistrate 1st Class or any other person authorized to administer oaths. Statements must also include a declaration regarding the source of the information including where necessary the name and contact information of any person or organisation from whom such information has been received, the notice stated. It was also clarified that the statements furnished have to be accompanied with an indexed list of documents that the concerned person seeks to rely on. 

"It may be noted that the proceedings before the Commission are judicial proceedings within the meaning of Sections 193 and 228 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860", the notice read.  

Click Here To Read/Download Notice