Supreme Court to Hear Pegasus Spyware Case in April
Lexpedia · 7 March 2025, 12:00 am
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has scheduled a hearing for April 2025 regarding the allegations that the Indian government used Pegasus spyware to monitor and invade the privacy of individuals including journalists, judges, activists, and other prominent figures.
Background of the Case
The case was brought before the Court following a series of petitions seeking an investigation into the alleged use of Pegasus spyware. This spyware, developed by the Israel-based NSO Group, is known for its ability to infiltrate mobile phones and gather sensitive information. Reports surfaced in 2021 indicating that the spyware may have been used to target individuals such as Indian journalists, lawyers, officials, and even a former Supreme Court judge.
The allegations gained momentum after an international consortium of news organizations, including The Wire, published reports revealing a list of phone numbers that were identified as potential targets for Pegasus infection. Amnesty International conducted an analysis of the devices and found traces of the Pegasus spyware on several devices, further intensifying the matter.
Court's Action and Committee Investigation
In response, the Supreme Court appointed a 3-member expert committee to investigate the allegations. The committee, headed by Justice RV Raveendran, submitted its report in July 2022. The committee found malware in some devices, but it did not confirm the presence of Pegasus. Notably, the committee reported that the Indian government did not cooperate with the investigation.
Future Course of Action
The case, now set for hearing in April, remains under intense scrutiny, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta requesting an early hearing. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing the petitioners, emphasized the significance of the case, highlighting its implications on individual privacy and government accountability.
The hearing in April could bring more clarity on whether further investigations will be pursued and what actions will be taken against those responsible for any violations.
