The High Court of Karnataka has ruled that an accused person cannot be placed under continuous electronic surveillance by being forced to share live mobile phone location as a condition for bail.
Justice M. Nagaprasanna made the observation while hearing a petition challenging certain bail conditions imposed by a sessions court.
Court strikes down tracking condition
The sessions court had granted anticipatory bail to an accused facing allegations including extortion and criminal intimidation.
Among the conditions imposed was a direction that the accused keep mobile location services switched on at all times and share live location with the Investigating Officer.
The High Court set aside this specific requirement.
The judge observed that such a condition cannot be imposed for granting bail, while other standard conditions may continue.
Other bail terms remain valid
The lower court had also directed the accused to furnish a ₹1 lakh bond with surety, appear before the trial court regularly, avoid criminal activity, not influence witnesses and mark attendance before police every month.
The High Court allowed all these conditions to remain in force.
Privacy and liberty highlighted
Legal observers say the ruling reinforces the principle that bail conditions must be reasonable and proportionate.
The judgment underlines that continuous digital tracking of an accused person goes beyond acceptable monitoring limits unless specifically authorised under law.
Important legal precedent
The order is expected to be cited in future cases involving privacy, surveillance and technology-linked bail restrictions.
It also reflects growing judicial attention toward balancing investigation needs with individual rights.#KarnatakaHighCourt #Bail #Privacy #Law #Judiciary #newskarnataka