Supreme Court questions 2-year delay in e-device seizure rules

The Supreme Court on Wednesday disapproved of the delay caused by the Central government in framing guidelines for the search and seizure of digital devices by law enforcement agencies.

A division bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul questioned the counsel for the Centre over the two-year delay. Speaking for the Bench, Justice Kaul verbally remarked that it has been two years since notice was issued on a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking the said guidelines. The development took place today during the resumed hearing of a PIL filed by the Foundation for Media Professionals.

The counsel for Centre informed the Bench that a committee has been constituted by the government and the said guidelines are likely to be finalised by the next week. "Get it done", the Bench orally remarked.


The Bench was apprised by the counsel for Centre that a "positive outcome" is in the works. Justice Kaul orally observed that the court issued notice on the petition two years ago. "Some time frame has to be followed", the judge added.

At the last hearing, the SC had observed search or seizure of electronic devices of a journalist is a "serious issue". The top court had added that there should be guidelines in place to govern the search and seizure of phones or other digital devices belonging to individuals, especially media personnel.