India Government denies tapping judges’ phones

The Indian Government on Monday refuted Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s allegations that phones of judges were being tapped.

Indian Law Minister Ravi Prasad said at an event organised to celebrate the Delhi High Court’s 50th anniversary.

“I have being a Communications Minister for two years and I completely denied all authority at command the allegations that phones of judges have been tapped.

“The commitment of our government to the independence of the judiciary is complete and irrefutable,’’ Ravi said.

It was at the same event in Delhi, also attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that Kejriwal alleged interference in judges’ appointments.

“I heard that judges’ phones are being tapped and they are afraid to talk.

“This is wrong and must not be allowed.

“If reports of phone tapping of judges are going rounds, and if this is true, it is the biggest assault on judiciary,’’ Modi noted.

Kejriwal anti-graft Aam Aadmi Party (Common Man’s Party) government’s in Delhi has been locked in a tussle for power with the central government led by Prime Minister Modi since he swept to power in February 2015, decimating the traditional parties.

Unlike in much of India, the Delhi government does not have absolute administrative powers over the state.

Control of the state’s police force, land, and law and order rests with the Bharatiya Janata Party-controlled central government.