(a) whether the Government has direct access to all telephone conversations;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the guidelines for interception of telephonic
conversations;
(c) the action taken by the Government against unlawful phone tapping; and
(d) the measures taken by the Government to protect the rights of privacy of individuals?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI MILIND DEORA)
(a) & (b) Madam, Lawful interception & monitoring of the telephone conversation is
governed by the provisions of section 5(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and guided by
Rule 419A of Indian Telegraph (Amendment) Rule, 2007.
(c) & (d) The unlawful interception is a punishable offence under section 26 of Indian
Telegraph Act 1885, with imprisonment for a term which may extend up to three years, or with
fine, or with both.