Opinion | Police cannot have unbridled rein over mobile phones
Summary
Police are increasingly seizing suspects’ mobile phones and other digital devices, raising serious concerns over privacy and constitutional protections. The article argues that investigations must have clear legal justification and court oversight before authorities access personal data.
Key Points
- Police have been seizing mobile phones and other digital devices from arrested people, often without clear justification.
- The article says phones contain highly personal data protected by the Constitution and the Privacy Act, 2018.
- It cites cases involving Cholendra Shumsher Rana, Durga Prasai and Kishor Shrestha as examples of possible overreach.
- A Supreme Court precedent is noted as support for requiring legal basis and court orders before accessing private communications.
