Setback and Relief

KOCHI: The government, after facing severe criticism from the High Court for sending WhatsApp messages using data from the government employees' salary software 'Spark', had a bit of relief from the Supreme Court after a decision was pronounced to stay the High Court's verdict that blocked the Nava Kerala Survey. The government's WhatsApp campaign ahead of the elections suffered a setback. However, the New Kerala Survey can now proceed without any hindrance.

The High Court said that the Chief Minister's Office sending messages to employees' mobile phones without their permission is prima facie an invasion of privacy. Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas asked how the Chief Minister's Office secured the mobile numbers of individuals despite earlier assurances that personal information would not be taken without permission.

The government, which sought time for an explanation, assured that the messages would not be sent until Friday, when the petition will be considered again. The petition was filed by teacher Rasheed Ahmed and secretariat officer K.M. Anilkumar after messages from the government reached them with the title 'Urappanun Vaak'.

"How can security be ensured if anyone can access data, including phone numbers?" The court deemed the allegations of sending messages to judges as serious.

1. If the allegations in the petition are true, then it suggests that data has been leaked.

2.Special Government Pleader V. Manu said that the government's IT department is handling the data. Similar messages are sent from the Prime Minister's Office too.

3. The petitioner's lawyer, Aljo K. Joseph, argued that it was a PR campaign being conducted for the CPM at the government's expense. 20 crores were allocated.