KTR objects to ACB notice demanding personal electronic devices

Questions legality and necessity of the demand; notes that the notice fails to specify why the devices are required or how they are relevant to the investigation

Hyderabad: BRS working president KT Rama Rao raised strong objection to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) notice demanding for his personal electronic devices in connection with the Formula-E case. He was formally responding to a fresh ACB notice, directing him to submit his mobile phone used between November 2021 and December 2023, along with devices like a laptop, tablet and other related gadgets.

In a written reply, Rama Rao said he had fully cooperated with the authorities during his appearance on June 16, from 10 am to 5 pm, responding to all queries posed during the investigation. However, after the investigation concluded, he was served another notice under Section 94 of the BNSS, asking him to submit his personal electronic devices used between November 2021 and December 2023.

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The former Minister questioned the legality and necessity of the demand, noting that the notice failed to specify why these devices were required or how they were relevant to the investigation. He maintained that all official records related to the Formula-E case were with the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department of the Telangana government, and that all decisions were taken in his official capacity as its Minister.

Terming the ACB’s demand a violation of fundamental rights in the Constitution, he argued that compelling an individual to hand over personal devices without clear justification infringed on the right to privacy and protection against self-incrimination. He pointed out that nowhere was it established that such electronic devices were necessary for the investigation.

He asserted that any examination of digital devices must follow the Supreme Court protocols to prevent misuse or tampering. “No one should be compelled to submit devices without a valid, clear reason and that the data should not be used against the individual,” he said.

Citing a recent Supreme Court order granting interim relief in a similar case, Rama Rao said the Enforcement Directorate was clearly instructed not to access or copy the contents of the petitioner’s mobile phone. Citing several such cases that were still under judicial examination, he also said that he had changed his phone in early 2024 and no longer had access to the old device. He confirmed that no other personal electronic devices were used during the relevant period.

Meanwhile, the BRS working president is scheduled to leave for the UK on Wednesday to deliver keynote speech at the Oxford India Forum 2025, a prestigious event to be held at the University of Oxford on June 20 and 21. He is likely to return to Hyderabad on June 24.