SC asks Google to explain whether sharing of Pin location by accused violates his right to privacy

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday sought Google LLC’s response on the vital issue, whether a condition of sharing the Live Location is imposed on an accused at the time of granting bail violate the person’s right to privacy?

A Bench comprising Justice Abhay S Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan on the last date had directed Google India to file an affidavit along with the necessary documents explaining the working of Google PIN in the context of putting a condition in the order while granting bail.

Google India informed the Supreme Court that the product is manufactured by Google LLC, not by them (Google India). It suggested that it would be appropriate for Google LLC to respond to the Court’s query.

Google LLC’s had filed an affidavit before the Apex Court but it was not taken on record (as notice was issued to Google India).

After noting that Google LLC was not a party in the present case, The Bench issued formal notice to Google LLC and discharged Google India.

The bench further directed the Registry to take on record Google LLC’s affidavit and said, “We will go through the affidavit and then hear the parties”.

In the present case, the Court is examining two issues. First, In the case –If a foreign national is arrested in India and at the time of granting bail to him, the courts have two options while granting bail to him. The foreign accused can be granted bail on obtaining an assurance from the concerned Embassy that they will not leave India.

Second, whether the condition that the Google PIN location should be shared by the accused with the investigating officer be imposed and whether this condition violates the basic issue of Right to privacy or not?

UNI