Delhi Police probing illegal phone tapping: Govt

The Delhi Police is conducting a preliminary inquiry into a complaint regarding illegal recording of phone calls of several persons during 2001-2005, the government said today.
A complaint regarding illegal and unauthorised interception, tapping and recording of phone calls of several persons during 2001-2005 has been received, Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Gangaram Ahir said in a written reply to Lok Sabha.
"The government has ordered a preliminary inquiry by the Delhi Police," he said.
The lawful interception or phone tapping can be done by law enforcement agencies authorised by the central and state governments in the interest of the country. The Department of Telecom has also issued standard operating procedures for lawful interception of the telecom service providers.

"There is an oversight mechanism to review the orders issued by the competent authority, which is the Union Home Secretary, by a committee under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary," the minister said.
Unlawful interception of phone calls is an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend upto three years or fine or both, he said.