BJP seeks clarification from UPA govt on phone tapping

Kolkata, Feb 15 (PTI) BJP today sought a clarificationfrom the UPA government at the Centre on alleged tapping ofover one lakh telephones across the country, describing it asa "cause of grave concern".

Stating that this amounted to misuse of power, oppositionleader in Rajya Sabha Arun Jaitley said "The government has toconfirm that tapping is being done on consideration ofsecurity and also state how many phones are being tapped".

"Today on the basis of a case in the Supreme Court, mediareports said that one lakh phones are being tapped in thecountry", he told reporters on the sidelines of the meetingof National office-bearers of the party.

"It is a cause of grave concern...the country''s lawstates that tapping can be done in extreme cases likesecurity considerations or in case of a serious crime",Jaitley said.

Claiming that the alleged number of tapped phones washigher than even in police states, Jaitley sought anauthoritative clarification from the central government on theissue.

"The figure is so large that it is frightening and phonesare tapped simultaneously by the Centre and the states.

We would like to know the exact number of phones being tappedand the ground on which they are being tapped", he said.

Pointing out that misuse of power was taking place ,Jaitley said "for consequences of what is being done, it isimportant that the government comes out with a clarification".

BJP leader L K Advani, party president Nitin Gadkari,Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, Chattishgarh chiefminister Raman Singh and Jaitley are here for attending themeet.