Consider the following statements regarding the Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024:
1. The rules replace Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951.
2. The Union Home Secretary and State Home Department Secretaries are the sole authorities empowered to order message interception.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024 indeed replace Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Union Home Secretary and State Home Department Secretaries are authorized to order message interception, they are not the sole authorities. In "unavoidable circumstances," officers of at least Joint Secretary rank in the Union Government can also issue interception orders. Additionally, in remote areas or during operational needs, heads or senior-most officers of authorized agencies at both central and state levels can issue interception orders, subject to confirmation within a specified timeframe.
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024 indeed replace Rule 419A of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951. Statement 2 is incorrect. While the Union Home Secretary and State Home Department Secretaries are authorized to order message interception, they are not the sole authorities. In "unavoidable circumstances," officers of at least Joint Secretary rank in the Union Government can also issue interception orders. Additionally, in remote areas or during operational needs, heads or senior-most officers of authorized agencies at both central and state levels can issue interception orders, subject to confirmation within a specified timeframe.