How many telephones are tapped in India?
30 Jan, 2012It has been revealed in response to a RTI application that on an average, between 7,500 and 9,000 orders for interception of telephones are issued by the Central Government every month. This translates into nearly 250-300 orders for telephones every day. The Union Home Minister is the authority empowered under the Telegraph Rules to grant approval of the telephone tapping. Usually, the surveillance continues for 2 months and may be renewed for up to 2 times.
Further, the state governments too have the power to intercept the phone where the permission is granted by the Secretary of Home Department. A Review Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary in the Centre and by the Chief Secretary in the State is expected to review the interceptions.