MPs want phone tapping shield

A parliamentary panel has sought a shield for MPs from phone tapping unless the police get clearance from the presiding officers of the two Houses. HT reports.

A parliamentary panel has sought a shield for MPs from phone tapping unless the police get clearance from the presiding officers of the two Houses.

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In case of other political leaders, the panel said party chiefs must be informed.

The standing committee on home ministry recommended restrictions on the police in light of recent controversies over phone tapping and policemen getting call data records of prominent politicians for “ulterior motives”.

Neither the Telegraph Act nor the IT Act provide a special dispensation for MPs and empower the home secretary to authorise phone tapping.

There is no system on the police accessing call data records of any individual. Under the amended rules, the area DCP has been authorised to get phone records.