With opposition set to rake up the telephone tapping issue in parliament, the government on Saturday said the issue was being "examined".

"We are getting it examined. We have taken note of it and it is being looked into," PMO sources said.

Prominent English newsweekly Outlook has claimed that the phones of some prominent political leaders including Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, Congress leader Digvijay Singh, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat have been tapped.

Political parties criticised the government for allegedly resorting to snooping on leaders.

BJP deputy leader in Rajya Sabha S S Ahluwalia said his party would raise the issue in Parliament on Monday. He contended this was in violation of Art 21 of the Constitution which assures protection of life and liberty to every citizen.

"The UPA government is resorting to tapping of phones of political leaders which is illegal and intolerable. The government has to own up responsibility and take action against those responsible," Karat said.
 

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(PTI) Main Opposition BJP on Friday said it will raise in Parliament the issue of alleged tapping of phones of several politicians, including those in power, by government agencies.

"If the government is tapping the phones of terrorists, or tax evaders or secessionists, then it is understandable as national interest and national security are involved. But tapping phones of politicians and ministers is condemnable," BJP Deputy Leader in Rajya Sabha S S Ahluwalia said.

A weekly magazine has, in its latest issue, alleged that government agencies have been tapping phones of important politicians and ministers since 2006.

Ahluwalia insisted that this was violation of Article 21 of the Constitution which assures protection of life and personal liberty of every citizen.

"Government should be ready to answer on Monday as to who gave it the right to violate Article 21," the BJP leader said.

BJP sources said the party will seek a clarification from the government on the issue in both Houses of Parliament on Monday and in case the government does not accede to their demand, it may disrupt proceedings.