Letter: Private matter, public interest

I
This refers to the editorial “The right to privacy” (December 1). There is no doubt that certain vested interests are involved in leaking tapes of phone conversations by corporate lobbyist Niira Radia. And, therefore, the government agencies may need to put certain entities under covert surveillance in cases involving vital national interest. But this privilege needs to be exercised in a selective manner and preferably as a rare exception.

At present, the home ministry is the sanctioning authority for this purpose. But given the political influence to which the home ministry is vulnerable, it may be worth considering if a court sanction can be made mandatory before an intrusion into the privacy of any entity can be allowed. Such court permission can be sought by the government agency concerned in camera instead of in an open courtroom. This will help prevent the misuse of this privilege and protect citizens’ privacy.

Kishor Kulkarni, Mumbai

II
Just a few days ago, your paper took a firm stand on the leaked Niira Radia tapes (“A bonfire of vanities”, November 23) and the ensuing media blackout. T N Ninan had even suggested that guilty journalists apologise for their lapses (“Just say sorry”, November 27).

In an earlier editorial, your paper had asked Ratan Tata to name and shame corrupt ministers in the government. A detailed story in Tehelka clearly lays out the nexus between Radia and Tata. It has been public news that Vaishnavi Corporation dealt with all of Tata’s accounts (90 group companies) and as an independent blogger, I have read their press handouts.

At present, the Radia tapes are in the public domain so Tata’s action on grounds of privacy don’t stack up. For the same reason, it is surprising that you should “lecture” on “morality” and take a stand on privacy issues.

Abhishek Puri, on email