THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government's action allowing police to collect call detail records(CDR) of COVID-19 patients in Kerala has drawn flak from various corners. It is learnt that the move does not have any legality and is being seen as an infringement on the right to privacy.

According to the government, the police was permitted to collect call records of patients as it may prove to be a better way of tracking and surveillance of patients.

However, it must be noted that CDRs will not be permitted in normal criminal cases. Even when it comes to national security issues, financial crimes and other serious criminal cases, the CDRs can be obtained only after a police official, higher than the rank of DIG, seeks permission from the Home Secretary. The Home Secretary may or may not give permission to the police. If the permission is given, it must be then inspected by a committee comprising Chief Secretary, Law Secretary and Public Administration Secretary.

While the police is often known to request permission for collecting CDR at least 30 times per month, only 4 or 5 requests get approved each month. The higher committee might even go forward and reduce this number as well.