In Pegasus Case, Why Government Won't File Affidavit In Supreme Court

"It is the government's view that such statements cannot be made... we cannot let terrorists know what software is being used..." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said

The government on Monday cited national security reasons and said it would not file a detailed affidavit in response to multiple petitions seeking the Pegasus spyware scandal. The government had been instructed to file the affidavit by the Supreme Court, and had twice taken time to submit its response to petitions alleging illegal surveillance of Indian citizens' mobile phones using the Israeli-made software. "It is the government's view that such statements on this issue cannot be made through affidavits... we cannot let terrorists know what software is being used..." Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court. The court said it recognised national security concerns but reminded Mr Mehta that the government had been asked to respond to claims of individual phones being hacked.