SC: Need norms for scribe gadget seizure

New Delhi, NT Bureau: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre to put in place guidelines on seizure of electronic devices like phones and laptops of individuals, particularly media professionals, while terming it a serious matter.

A bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia conveyed their concern to Additional Solicitor General (ASG) S V Raju, who was representing the Centre, about the sweeping powers of probe agencies.

"Mr Raju, I find it very difficult to accept that some kind of an all-within power which the agencies have, this is very, very dangerous I think," Justice Kaul observed.

The bench was hearing two petitions seeking guidelines for search and seizure of digital devices by investigating agencies.

The counsel, appearing for one of the petitioners, said the issue raised was of seminal importance as there were no guidelines with regard to when and how will the probe agencies seize electronic devices.

Raju said complicated legal issues have been raised in the matter and he needed some time to prepare for it.