SC Panel Finds Malware In 5 Phones But Not Sure If It Is Pegasus, Says Centre Did Not Cooperate. Key Points

Pegasus Case Hearing: SC bench comprising CJI Ramana, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Hima Kohli on Thursday took on record the sealed cover report submitted by the expert panel.

Smartphone with the website of Israel's NSO Group which features 'Pegasus' spyware (Photographic illustration)

Source : AFP

A Special Supreme Court Bench led by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana on Thursday examined the findings of a report submitted by a 3-member independent committee probing the allegations of illegal surveillance using Pegasus spyware. A technical panel was formed by the SC in Pegasus snooping case to inquire into reports that the government used the Israeli military-grade malware to spy on journalists, parliamentarians, prominent citizens and court staff.

SC Bench comprising CJI Ramana, Justice Surya Kant and Justice Hima Kohli on Thursday took on record the sealed cover report submitted by the expert panel. Here are some of the key points on the findings of the expert panel and the report submitted to SC.

• The report submitted by the 3-member expert committee is in three parts. One is the technical committee on para 61A of the order of the court with digital images. Two, report of technical committee on matters on para 61B of the order. The third part is the report of the overseeing judge on matters on para 61C. A file containing the responses received to the queries of the committee was also submitted.

•  The technical committee examined 29 phones for alleged spyware. Some malware was found on five phones by the technical committee, not conclusive if it was due to Pegasus. As per the report, no conclusive proof has come out.

• The SC-appointed panel said the Government of India has not cooperated in the Pegasus probe. "One thing committee has said, Government of India has not cooperated. The same stand you took here, you have taken there..." CJI Ramana told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

• SC to upload the report of Justice Raveendran on its website and would consider plea for giving redacted parts of other reports to parties.