New Delhi: The Editors Guild of India (EGI) has filed a writ petition in the apex court seeking a court-monitored Special Investigation Team probe into the Pegasus snooping row that stirred the country. Reports said, along with seeking SIT probe, the petition sought orders to the Central government to furnish details of contracts entered with foreign companies as well as the list of persons spied upon, as per reports.
"Freedom of the press relies on non-interference by the government and its agencies in reporting of journalists, including their ability to securely and confidentially speaking with sources, investigate abuse of power and corruption, expose governmental incompetence, and speak with those in opposition to the government", said EGI's plea.
"The citizens of India have a right to know if the Executive government is infringing the limits of their authority under the Constitution and what steps have been taken to safeguard their fundamental rights. All attempts to seek accountability and enforce constitutional limits through Parliamentary processes have been stonewalled. Through their intransigence, the Respondents have deliberately avoided public debate on this issue and have provided obfuscated answers, forcing the Petitioner to approach this Hon'ble Court to seek the enforcement of the public's right to know, in performance of their obligations as trustees of the public, and on behalf of all citizens of India, "read the petition.