(a) whether the act of espionage and passing on defence classified papers by armed forces personnel has been increased in the recent years;
(b) if so, the number of such cases reported during the last two years;
(c) whether any special instructions have been issued by the Government to the armed forces following these incidents;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI PRANAB MUKHERJEE)
(a) to (e): In the last 2 years 3 cases regarding passing of defence classified information by Armed Forces personnel have been brought to the notice of the Government. In all the 3 cases Courts of Inquiry were held. In cases where negligence has been proved, persons responsible are being dealt with according to the respective Acts of the three Services. Existing instructions and guidelines on counter measures against espionage, cyber security and security of information, personnel & material, are being enforced.