NewsClick: SC expressed concern over serious cases of confiscation of phones and laptops of journalists, issued these instructions to the Center

The Supreme Court expressed serious concern over the seizure of digital devices like phones, laptops, etc. of journalists and asked the Central Government to frame guidelines to control the powers of investigative agencies.

The bench of Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia was hearing the petition of the Foundation for Media Professionals on Tuesday. The PIL has sought an order from the top court to bring safeguards against undue interference by law enforcement agencies and frame guidelines regarding the seizure of digital devices. ASG says many complex legal issues are involved in this case: Additional Solicitor General (ASG) SV Raju appeared for the Centre.

He told the court that there are many complex legal issues involved in the case and he would examine these aspects. He requested the bench to adjourn the hearing for the time being. During this, Justice Kaul said- “Mr. Raju, it is very difficult to accept the omnipotence of the agencies, I think it is also a very dangerous situation.” The bench directed the Center to bring better guidelines in this regard.

The next hearing in this case will be held in December. This petition has come in the wake of the Delhi Police raid on the houses of 46 journalists and editors associated with the online news portal Newsclick on October 3. Following the raid, several media organizations, including the Press Club of India, DigiPub News India Foundation, and Indian Women Press Corps, wrote a letter to Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, seeking directions on the seizure of electronic devices of journalists in October.