In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has delivered a comprehensive ruling that strengthens citizens' right to privacy and establishes new standards for data protection in the digital era.
Key Rulings
- Right to privacy is a fundamental right under Article 21
- Government must obtain judicial approval for surveillance
- Data protection regulations must be strictly enforced
- Citizens have the right to know what data is collected about them
The judgment came in response to a petition challenging the constitutionality of certain surveillance provisions. The court ruled that the right to privacy is an integral part of the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The court emphasized that any infringement on privacy must meet the test of legality, necessity, and proportionality. It directed the government to establish robust mechanisms for oversight of surveillance activities and ensure transparency in data collection practices.
Legal experts have hailed this judgment as a significant step forward in protecting individual rights in the digital age. The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for data protection laws and surveillance practices in India.
The judgment also calls for the establishment of an independent data protection authority to oversee compliance with privacy regulations and handle complaints from citizens.