SC will set up expert panel on Pegasus row

The Supreme Court will set up an expert committee by itself to inquire into the alleged use of Israeli spyware Pegasus for surveillance on Indian citizens, Chief Justice of India (CJI) NV Ramana said on Thursday.

The CJI’s statement suggests that the court has virtually rejected the Union government’s plea to let it set up an “independent committee” to look into the controversy.

Justice Ramana, who heads the bench which has been hearing a clutch of petitions demanding a court-monitored investigation into the unlawful snooping, added that the order will be passed next week.