THE Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ), in a statement issued on December 21,  has castigated as ominous, unconstitutional and a direct attack on the freedom of the press, the order of the union home ministry authorising central agencies to intercept, monitor and decrypt  “any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer.” This order we feel is reminiscent of the dark days of the Emergency, the statement said. 

DUJ noted the broad ranging powers given to no less than ten agencies, ranging from the Intelligence Bureau and the Central Bureau of Investigation to the Delhi Police, are bound to be misused to intrude into citizens’ lives. No one, whether judges of the higher courts or members of parliament, is exempt from such snooping.   

The order exercises powers under the Information Technology Act and Rules. The government already permits monitoring of telephone calls under provisions of the Telegraph Act. These are serious infringements on people’s privacy and freedom of thought and expression.  The DUJ has called upon members to be ready for a phased programme of protest actions, in coordination with other democratic like-minded bodies, to protect our freedoms and rights.

We are given to understand that as per the ministry of home affairs order, not just calls or emails, but any data found on a computer can be intercepted. The agencies will also have powers to seize the devices. A seven year jail term can be awarded to anyone who refuses access to data.

The order in our opinion should be rescinded immediately, the statement said.