SC asks Centre to put in place guidelines on seizure of electronic devices of media professionals, terms it serious matter

New Delhi, Nov 7 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to put in place guidelines on seizure of electronic devices like phones and laptops of individuals, particularly media professionals, while terming it a serious matter. A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia conveyed their concern to Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S V Raju, who was representing the Centre, about the sweeping powers of probe agencies.

“Mr Raju, I find it very difficult to accept that some kind of an all-within power which the agencies have, this is very, very dangerous I think,” Justice Kaul observed.

The bench was hearing two petitions, including the one filed by ‘Foundation For Media Professionals’, seeking comprehensive guidelines for search and seizure of digital devices by the investigating agencies.