New Delhi: In an important order, the Supreme Court has barred the ED from accessing the data of electronic devices i.e. laptops and mobile phones seized during the raids against lottery king Santiago Martin, his relatives and employees. The Supreme Court had given this order on December 13 on the petition of Future Gaming and Hotels Services Private Limited and Martin. Due to this, the investigating agencies may have to reconsider before taking the decision to seize the mobile phone or laptop of the accused. This order may also be helpful to the accused persons in such cases.
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mittal said that notice is issued. Meanwhile, interim relief is given while considering the application. Future Gaming’s lawyers argued that access to data from seized electronic devices is a violation of privacy and fundamental rights. He said that these devices contain important personal and business data. These include financial statements, medical records, passwords and strategic documents.
Let us tell you that the name of Santiago Martin came into the national headlines when it was revealed that his company Future Gaming has given the maximum donation of Rs 1368 crore to political parties through electoral bonds.
The bench issued notice to the Centre, ED and its officials on the plea and fixed it for hearing along with other pending cases on February 17, 2025. Other cases include the Amazon India employee case and the News Click case, where the petitioners have sought directions to seize digital devices by the investigating agencies. ED sources said they have seen the order and apart from digital records, they also have other credible evidence in the case
Following a complaint by Meghalaya Police, raids were conducted at 22 places in six states last November. Meghalaya Police had accused Future Gaming of illegally monopolizing the lottery business in the state. Cash worth Rs 12.41 crore was recovered during this raid.
