Vigilance to legalise hidden cameras and phone tapping; 57-year-old manual deemed outdated

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance Department’s revised manual will allow the use of modern technologies such as drone surveillance, hidden camera recordings, and phone tapping to detect corruption and trap officials accepting bribes. The current manual has been in force since 1969 and only recognises traditional investigation methods. At present, even if hidden camera footage captures officials taking bribes, accused persons often escape punishment by arguing that such methods are not permitted under the existing manual.

The revised manual will also include provisions for internet and social media tracking, as well as the collection of WhatsApp messages during investigations.

The move comes amid increasing cases of bribery involving field-level officials, including police and revenue officers. Small drones may be used to gather evidence, while hidden cameras will be used during trap operations where officials are caught accepting bribes red-handed. Phone tapping will mainly target corrupt officials under investigation.

Today, many bribe transactions are carried out through digital payment platforms such as Google Pay. Even when investigators find evidence through bank transactions, courts often do not accept it because the current Vigilance manual does not clearly permit such investigation methods. In this context, a new set of guidelines was prepared over four months under the leadership of Vigilance chief Manoj Abraham. The revised manual will come into effect once it receives approval from the Home Department and is officially notified. Officials will also be allowed to seize mobile phones containing calls and messages demanding bribes and send them for forensic examination.

Concerns over phone tapping

• Vigilance currently depends on the Crime Branch for phone tapping, but information about such requests is often leaked during the application process.
• Authorities believe tapping the phones of corrupt officials in government departments and public sector institutions can help uncover bribery deals.
• Police, Intelligence agencies, and the Crime Branch already use phone tapping for criminal investigations, national security, and intelligence gathering.
• Agencies such as the CBI, ED, the Central Board of Direct Taxes, and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence already have the authority to tap phones.

“ The Vigilance manual will be updated according to modern times. Technology will be used more effectively in investigations,” said Ramesh Chennithala, the Home Minister.