Gujarat Government panel on snoopgate an attempt to shield itself: Khetan

He noted that while there are increased concern these days over the rights, safety and security of women, it is evident from the terms of reference that for the commission to presume that an adult woman can be provided “so-called” security without her consent or even knowledge is “unfortunate”.

Stating that the snoopgate is not an ordinary act of “illegality or misuse of power,” he said that what is involved is the violation of one of the basic covenants of a free democracy.

“From the recordings available, it does not appear that the lady concerned and even her family had any idea that she was under surveillance. Even if they had, the operations would still be a preposterous misuse of power,” Khetan said in his affidavit.

Taking further potshots at the commission mandated to enquire whether the leaks of the tapes after a long gap reveal any conspiracy, he said, “Conspiracy lies not in the publication howsoever delayed but in orchestration of security forces maintained for law enforcement out of public funds to gratify voyeuristic instincts of men in high places.”