Nepal Police seeks call interception powers, sparking privacy concerns

Nepal Police is pushing for legal powers to intercept telephone calls and digital communications in real time, reigniting a long-standing debate over state intrusion into citizens' private lives. The Police Headquarters has included this request in its strategic planning, arguing that investigators need advanced digital tools to pursue criminals who increasingly rely on encrypted and sophisticated communication methods.

If granted, the proposed authority would allow designated police officers to monitor conversations and digital exchanges as investigations unfold, provided the necessary legal framework and approvals are in place. Deputy Inspector General Abi Narayan Kafle, spokesperson for Nepal Police, stated that this power is crucial for probing serious offenses and that a comprehensive plan has been presented to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Police officials emphasize the measure would target serious criminal investigations rather than broad surveillance.

However, the request has revived concerns among lawyers and civil rights activists about potential political or institutional abuse, especially given Nepal's history of political interference in security agencies. This push mirrors previous attempts by state bodies to acquire wider surveillance capabilities, which were ultimately shelved following significant opposition from lawmakers, rights activists, and civil society groups. For instance, draft legislation for the National Investigation Department had included provisions for monitoring and intercepting communications, but faced widespread criticism over potential misuse and was abandoned.

Law enforcement officials argue that criminals' increasing adeptness with technology necessitates access to communications as an investigative tool. Legal experts, however, stress that any such authority must be strictly circumscribed by law and subject to independent judicial oversight to prevent abuse.

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Individuals involved in heinous crimes or those evading justice often employ advanced technologies, making it necessary for us to listen in on communications when probing serious offences. We have prepared a comprehensive plan to make police investigations technology-friendly and have already briefed the Ministry of Home Affairs on this operational strategy.