Pegasus Row: Centre Not To File Detailed Affidavit; Evokes Strong Response From CJI

New Delhi: The Centre told Supreme Court on Monday it had nothing to hide, but reiterated that due to national security concerns, a detailed affidavit won’t be filed in response to petitions seeking a formal inquiry into the Pegasus snooping row.

“Filing (an affidavit) and making it public discourse is not possible as it will affect national security… We cannot let terrorists know what software is used,” Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Union government, submitted to a three-member bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana.

It evoked a strong response from the CJI, reported NDTV.

“No, Mr Mehta, last time we wanted an affidavit and that is why we granted you time and now you are saying this… we are going back again and again… we reiterate we don’t want to know about national security. The issue is we have citizens saying their phones were tapped,” the Chief Justice stressed.

“We have to do something… Beating around the bush will not solve the issue. Let us see what order we have to pass,” Justice Ramana said.

The court said it will announce interim order in two to three days.

The bench also told the government it can approach the court before then, if it changes its mind on filing an affidavit.

According to reports in international media, the Pegasus snooping scandal involves illegal surveillance on over 300 Opposition leaders in India, journalists, industrialists and others.