Snoopgate: Panel to probe conspiracy theory only

The two-member judicial commission formed by the Gujarat government to conduct an inquiry into the alleged snooping of a woman architect by state police in 2009, will probe if there was any conspiracy behind release of audio tapes of the incident.

“The inquiry commission will find out whether the circumstances leading to the release of audio tapes after a long gap of four years reveal any conspiracy,” state the terms of reference of the commission issued by the state legal department.

Interestingly, the government hasn’t used the word snooping even once in the notification and refers to the incident as security/surveillance.

The government had been maintaining a stoic silence over the issue since the snooping scandal was exposed by two websites on November 15. However, the government announced late on Monday that it was forming a two-member commission, headed by retired high court judge Sugna Bhatt and retired IAS KC Kapoor, to conduct a probe in the case. The commission has been asked to submit its report within three months.

The notification says that the panel will verify the authenticity and veracity of the tapes, and whether the alleged incident took place. It will also inquire whether there was any breach of mandatory legal provisions or noncompliance with administrative procedures.

The commission will inquire and recommend as to what should be the objective considerations while arranging discreet security for a woman if circumstances demand so, according to the notification.