ORDER

G.S. Singhvi, J.

1. On receipt of a complaint by the Finance Minister that Ms. Nira Radia, who was an agent of foreign intelligence agency and was indulging in anti national activities and had built up a business empire of Rs. 300 crores within a period of nine years, a decision was taken that the matter needs to be probed. When the complaint reached the Director General of Income Tax (Investigation) [DG (IT)], Delhi, he mooted a proposal for surveillance of telephone lines of Ms. Nira Radia and her associates. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) forwarded the proposal to the Home Secretary, Government of India, who granted the required permission. Between 19.8.2008 and 9.7.2009, many such proposals were submitted to the Union Home Secretary and he accorded the necessary permission from time to time. In the first phase, the surveillance lasted for 120 days. In the second phase, the surveillance lasted for about 60 days.

2. After four months of the cessation of surveillance, DG (IT) sent letter dated 16.11.2009 to Director, Intelligence Bureau informing that analysis of the intercept suggested that some conversations were quite sensitive. He also informed about this to CBDT.