Phone tapping Norms by DoT

Officers at the rank of joint secretary in the Centre can authorise orders for tapping of telephones "in unavoidable circumstances", according to the new telephone tapping guidelines that came into effect on Friday.

According to the guidelines, only the Union home secretary at the central level and secretary, in charge of the home department at the state level can issue directions for interception of any message.

"In unavoidable circumstances, such order may be made by an officer, not below the rank of joint secretary at the centre, who has been duly authorised by Union home secretary or the state home secretary," the notification said.

The direction for interception would remain in force, unless revoked earlier, for not more than 60 days from the date of issuing. These directions can be renewed, but cannot remain in force beyond 180 days.

Source: iSource