[BREAKING] 'Freedom Of Press Relies On Non-Interference By Govt' : Editors Guild Of India Moves Supreme Court Seeking SIT Probe Into Pegasus Snooping Row

In a significant move, the Editors Guild of India(EGI) has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court seeking a court-monitored SIT probe into the reports of state surveillance of journalists, activists and politicians using the Isreali spyware Pegasus.

"Freedom of the press relies on non-interference by the government and its agencies in reporting of journalists, including their ability to securely and confidentially speaking with sources, investigate abuse of power and corruption, expose governmental incompetence, and speak with those in opposition to the government", EGI says in its plea.

The PIL also sought directions to be issued to the Central government to produce details of contracts entered into with foreign companies for deploying spyware for surveillance and the persons against whom such spyware was used.

"The citizens of India have a right to know if the Executive government is infringing the limits of their authority under the Constitution and what steps have been taken to safeguard their fundamental rights. All attempts to seek accountability and enforce constitutional limits through Parliamentary processes have been stonewalled. Through their intransigence, the Respondents have deliberately avoided public debate on this issue and have provided obfuscated answers, forcing the Petitioner to approach this Hon'ble Court to seek the enforcement of the public's right to know, in performance of their obligations as trustees of the public, and on behalf of all citizens of India", the plea filed through Advocates Rupali Samuel, Raghav Tankha and Lzafeer Ahmad B F (AOR) stated.

A bench led by the Chief Justice of India will consider on August 5 seeking a judicial probe into the controversy. 5 journalists who are reported to be in the Pegasus snoop list have also filed independent writ petitions in the Supreme Court seeking investigation into the issue. Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas and Advocate ML Sharma have also filed PILs with similar demands.