In a recent ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed a plea advocating for the digital monitoring of Members of Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies, emphasizing their right to privacy. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud stressed that legislators are not “convicted felons” requiring constant surveillance, rebuffing the petitioner’s proposal for comprehensive monitoring.
While acknowledging concerns about transparency in governance, the court asserted that MPs and MLAs, like all citizens, have a right to privacy and familial considerations. Despite arguments advocating for greater scrutiny due to their public roles, the court maintained that individual privacy rights cannot be compromised. Ultimately, the court deemed the petition a “misuse of process,” declining to impose a fine but cautioning against frivolous litigation.