A petition against the Truecaller mobile app was refused to be entertained by the Supreme Court of India on Monday stating the fact that court has no role to play in stopping such applications.
The plea filed by one Ankit Sethi who alleged that use of true called hampers the privacy of users, as the application shares the personal data of people without their authorisation.
The plea on the same was heard by a bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) UU Lalit and Justice S Ravindra Bhat who said that it is is not the court’s job or role to stop such apps.
Justice Bhat questioned the petitioner “Is this court’s job to shut all such apps. How many applications can be entertained against such apps?
The application true caller displays the identity of the caller when he receives a call from any unknown number. This is usually helpful as the receiver of the call comes to know who the caller is, without attending the call. This makes it easy for the user to identify the important calls amidst the busy work and life schedule.
“The petitioner who appeared in person before the court said that although this may sound immature but my intention is not so”
The CJI said “You argue”. To this the petitioner said that “Suppose I use Truecaller and you don’t use the app even then I will have your personal information”.
CJI Lalit demanded “so this is a PIL under Article 32.”
The bench made told the petitioner in the clear words that it is not within the domain of the Court to shut down all such intrusive apps.
And that it is not a fit case for interference by the top court.The petitioner then proceeded to withdraw the plea.