While hearing a petition filed by a cyber security activist Anivar A. Aravind, the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka, today has recorded in its Order that it is not mandatory for a citizen to provide evidence of downloading the Arogya Setu App (“app”) as a condition of travel.
The Order was passed by the division bench comprising of Chief Justice Abhay Oka and Justice E.S Indiresh after the Central Government through the Additional Solicitor General, submitted before the Court that the app is not mandatory for a person travelling by air and rail. It is the passenger’s choice to have the app downloaded in his phone. He can opt not to download the app. However, it was also submitted by the Additional Solicitor General that it is advisable to download the app.
Now, matter has been posted for further hearing on 10th July, 2020 wherein the Central Government is directed to file their statement of objection on the following issues raised by the petitioner:
1. Whether the Central Government is introducing the application supported by law.
2. Whether the Central and State Governments can make the app mandatory as a condition for accessing public offices.
Further, the petitioner has also submitted that mandating the use of the app is violative of the constitutional rights of the citizens.
Source: Karnataka High Court
