Top court orders probe of India’s alleged Pegasus use

Congress party workers shout slogans during a protest accusing Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government of using military-grade spyware to monitor political opponents, journalists and activists in New Delhi, India. India’s top court on Wednesday, Oct. 27, established a committee of experts to look into the accusations. — AP

India’s Supreme Court has ordered a panel of experts to investigate whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration used the Pegasus spyware to surveil opposition leaders, activists, tycoons, judges and journalists.

The top court’s bench of three judges headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana said in its order Wednesday that the possible violation of citizens’ right to privacy and free speech compelled it to seek out the truth in the matter. The government cannot always get a “free pass” by using the argument of national security, the order added.