Tracking Proclaimed Offenders: 'Obtain Social Media Details While Arresting, Keep A Vigil On The …

In a recent ruling of Delhi High Court, laying down detailed guidelines to be followed while declaring a person as a Proclaimed Offender, the Delhi Police & CBI have also been directed to obtain the social media details of such people (Proclaimed Offenders) at the time of their arrest or soon thereafter. Noting that there are impediments in early tracing and detection of proclaimed offenders and taking legal action, the Court said that tracing of proclaimed offenders would require, inter alia, accurate personal identification details like e-mail ID, mobile number, landline number etc., and Social Media accounts if any, like Facebook, WhatsApp etc.”These days social media tools can be used for tracking and tracing an accused in case of any exigency akin to abscondance,” stated the order. Further, issuing the guidelines for enhancing the efficiency in the execution of proclamations, the Court also directed that the arrest Memo should include particulars of other new age modes of communications namely Email I.Ds., Facebook accounts, LinkedIn accounts, Twitter handles, etc. Importantly, in order to search the accused/Proclaimed Persons/Offenders with enhanced technological tools, the Court has also directed the Digital Surveillance Team of Delhi Police and CBI to keep a vigil on social…
Read More