Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
4. Robust institutional mechanisms must be constituted in order to maintain the fine balance of public privacy and national security. Analyse this statement in the context of recent Pegasus controversy. (150 words)
Difficulty level: Moderate
Reference: Indian Express
Why the question:
Supreme court has ordered institutionalising a committee to investigate the alleged accusations against the government for the use of Pegasus spyware against its citizens for political benefits.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about trade-off between Public privacy and national security.
Directive word:
Analyse – When asked to analyse, you must examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by mentioning about article 21 ensuring right to privacy as a fundamental duty.
Body:
First, mention that even fundamental rights are not absolute and needs to be reasonably restricted in the context of larger public good such as national security.
Next, bring out the need to institute a body that ensures that the breach of public privacy is only in case of absolute necessity and for a genuine cause. Mention some necessary features of the body needed to ensure the same.
Next, write about the need for accountability for any breach of privacy in the garb of national security.
Conclusion:
Conclude by stating that the regulatory body would definitely help strike a balance between public privacy and national security
