What Measures Are Taken To Ensure Data Privacy? Kerala High Court Asks TCS In Sabarimala Virtual Queue Row

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday issued various directions to the Project Manager of the Tata Consultancy Services regarding the data of pilgrims entered into the Sabarimala virtual queue portal.

A Division Bench of Justices Anil K Narendran and P.G Ajithkumar was hearing a PIL questioning the legality of the 'Sabarimala Pilgrim Management System' implemented by the Kerala Police, alleging that it restricts Darshan in Sabarimala to only those who avail the Virtual Queue Services.

As per the official website, the single digital platform for SPMS is developed and facilitated by a private agency namely Tata Consultancy Services, Hyderabad.

The Court had called for inputs from the TCS since the first hearing of the matter, but it had not submitted its statement. Accordingly, the following directions were issued:

The Project Manager of Tata Consultancy Services Ltd should place on record an affidavit explaining the measures taken to ensure data privacy in the Virtual-Q platform.

The Project Manager shall also state as to whether the data collected at the time of Virtual-Q booking is being used for any other purpose and whether access to that data is available to the State Police or any other agency.

In the affidavit, he shall state the infrastructure and manpower requirements for the Virtual-Queue platform. 

Since the counsel sought ten days' time to place on record the affidavit of the Project Manager, the matter was listed on 14.12.2021 for further consideration.

Also Read: Sabarimala Virtual Queue: Kerala High Court Seeks Details Regarding Privacy Of Data Submitted By Devotees

Case Title: Suo Motu v. Travancore Devaswom Board

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