The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a notice to theCentre on the petitions seeking probe into alleged use of Pegasus to snoop oncivilians. The top court told the Centre it expected a comprehensive reply inthe matter; however the government filed a 2-page limited affidavit.
A bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana has scheduledthe matter for further hearing after 10 days. "Notice. List after 10 days.Meanwhile, we will think of further course of action... issue notice to thegovernment," said the Chief Justice.
The bench also comprising Justices Surya Kant andAniruddha Bose observed that the Centre's 2-page affidavit was not enough tosatisfy the issues raised by various petitioners.
"We expected a comprehensive reply, but you filed alimited affidavit", noted the Chief Justice, listing the matter forfurther hearing after 10 days.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre,submitted that the government is ready to place all facts before a technicalcommittee comprising neutral and independent experts.
He added, "The expert committee can examine thefacts and submit a report in the top court. But we cannot divulge detailsconcerning the security of the country."
The Centre refused to disclose whether it used Pegasus ornot.
Justice Bose queried Mehta, "Are you sure you don'twant to say anything more?"
Mehta replied that he cannot give information in publicdomain, which software the government used or not, as later those who are beinglawfully intercepted may use it to their advantage.
During the hearing, the bench observed that it does notwant the Centre to disclose anything that may compromise with the nationalsecurity or defence of the country.
"But the competent authority may file an affidavit,saying what they can... we can issue notices and ask for an affidavit,"noted the bench.