Privacy versus security

t is high time to seriously ponder on the twin topics of ‘privacy’ and ‘security’ in the context of the Indian democracy, which is considered to be the ideal form of governance.

How far can we go ahead with the apparently great principle of ‘privacy’, and consider it as the fundamental right of a person living in a democratic country? Moreover, the so called democracy, in reality could be just a functioning anarchy. All sister establishments or institutions that need to work in coordination with such a government that is already paralysed by corruption and malpractices must ensure not to make the government weaker and more inefficient by offering the mantle of ‘fundamental right to privacy’ to the advantage of ‘criminals’.

Attributing more importance and priority to ‘privacy’ over ‘security’ could prove suicidal and destroy the entire nation by giving a free hand to the thieves and terrorists who could insulate and protect themselves from the clutches of the law under a claim for privacy. Documents like ID cards and passports are essential to any nation for its security, statistics and development plans. Any law abiding citizen who has nothing to hide or fear, will never be concerned or anxious in giving his finger prints or other biometric data, which would only help the government in protecting his life and security. Only criminal elements need ‘opacity’ and are vehement in opposing ‘transparency’.

‘Privacy’ can be offered as a fundamental right only as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others to live.

No government must be incapacitated from taking the right disciplinary measures to preserve law and order in the country.