Supreme Court Addresses Privacy Concerns During Raids, Advocates CBI Manual Compliance For Electronic Device Seizure

On 14 December, the Supreme Court while addressing concerns regarding breach of privacy has directed the Centre to follow guidelines from the CBI Manual to safeguard the integrity of personal data stored in electronic devices seized during raids, particularly those involving academia and media members as reported by The Hindu.

Additional Solicitor General SV Raju informed the court that this would entail training personnel from other agencies in the CBI's manual.

The court specified that the procedure outlined in the CBI Manual should be adhered to until new guidelines are issued within six weeks.

The case will be listed again on 6 February. The petitioners, including Professors Ram Ramaswamy and others, argue that personal electronic devices cannot be seized indefinitely and that only copies of the material should be taken.

The case involves issues raised by recent Delhi Police raids on journalists and activists in the NewsClick case.

The court emphasised the importance of privacy for every citizen, not just journalists or activists.

The Home Ministry, in its affidavit, highlighted the dual use of electronic devices by both citizens and criminals.