In 2021, Pegasus spyware targeted over 300 Indian individuals, including ministers, opposition leaders, and journalists, sparking debates over its misuse. While the Indian government must prioritize national security, the Supreme Court of India has stressed the importance of protecting citizens' privacy and ensuring legal accountability in surveillance practices.
Pegasus Spyware, India’s Security Framework, and the Supreme Court’s Key Ruling
In a significant development on Tuesday, the Supreme Court of India addressed the issue of Pegasus spyware, affirming that the use of such technology for national security purposes is not inherently wrong. However, the Bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, emphasized that any allegations of misuse of surveillance tools against private individuals would be closely scrutinized to ensure that privacy rights are not violated.
The controversy surrounding the Pegasus spyware dates back to 2019, when India was revealed as the second-most targeted country by NSO Group’s spyware. As the case unfolds, the Supreme Court is carefully considering the balance between national security needs and the protection of constitutional privacy rights. While acknowledging the importance of robust security measures, the Court made it clear that the privacy of individuals must remain safeguarded under the Indian Constitution.
What Did the Supreme Court Say About Pegasus Spyware in India?
During the recent hearing, the Supreme Court of India delivered an important observation regarding the use of Pegasus spyware for surveillance in India. While hearing petitions related to the alleged misuse of surveillance technology, the Bench, led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, emphasized that the use of spyware for national security purposes is not inherently illegal. However, the Court made it clear that individual privacy rights, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, must always be respected.
The Court observed that surveillance tools, including Pegasus spyware, may be crucial for national security, especially in combating terrorism and other forms of cyber threats. But at the same time, it recognized the importance of protecting citizens’ privacy from potential misuse by government authorities.
In its ruling, the Court further clarified that while the full report of the expert committee—which has been investigating the Pegasus issue—would not be made public due to concerns over national security, individuals who suspect they were targeted by the spyware could seek clarity on their case. The Court emphasized that addressing these individual concerns is essential, but it also noted that such matters cannot be freely discussed in the public domain, citing security reasons.
The Global Impact of Pegasus Spyware: Targeting Journalists, Politicians, and Activists
As part of the ongoing investigation into the Pegasus spyware controversy, WhatsApp presented a chilling report titled “Victim Country Count” during the hearing. The chart revealed the scale of the attack, showing that Pegasus spyware had targeted 1,223 WhatsApp users across 51 countries in just two months. Among the affected countries, Mexico topped the list with 456 targets, while India ranked second with 100 individuals reportedly compromised by the spyware.
Countries like Bahrain, Morocco, and Pakistan also appeared prominently on the list, indicating the widespread use of the spyware across different regions. The revelations sparked a debate about the misuse of surveillance technology, particularly after it was revealed that Pegasus spyware had affected not just journalists, but also political leaders, human rights activists, and business figures—raising concerns about the abuse of power in democratic nations.
Pegasus Spyware in India: Targeting Key Leaders and Journalists
In 2021, Pegasus spyware made headlines in India, with reports revealing that over 300 Indian individuals, including serving ministers, opposition leaders, and prominent journalists, were targeted. While the NSO Group insists that Pegasus spyware is sold only to governments for national security purposes, investigations indicated that it was used to monitor political figures, activists, and journalists. This raised concerns about privacy violations and the abuse of surveillance technology.
Despite these revelations, it’s important to recognize that the Indian government has a responsibility to ensure national security. However, the Supreme Court of India has also made it clear that the right to privacy of every citizen must be protected. The Court is ensuring that surveillance tools like Pegasus spyware are used with proper legal oversight and accountability, keeping India’s democratic values intact.
