Govt releases fresh rules for phone interception, IG-level officers can issue orders

New Delhi: The government has notified new rules for phone interception and has authorised officers not below the rank of inspector general of police at the state-level to issue interception orders in cases of emergency. However, if the competent authority does not confirm such interception order within seven working days from the day the order was issued in cases of emergency, the messages intercepted will not be allowed to be used for any purpose and the copy of the messages will have to be destroyed within two working days, as per notification published on December 6 by the Department of Telecommunications.