State govts may soon need Centre’s permission to intercept calls, messages outside jurisdiction

New Delhi: State governments may have to seek permission of the Union Home Secretary if it wants to order interception of calls and messages outside its territorial jurisdiction, according to new draft rules.

At present under the Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024, the Union Home Secretary authorises interception of calls and messages at the central level and the Secretary in-charge of Home Department in states authorises such action.