Santiago Martin case: SC tells ED not to access data from accused man’s electronic devices

The Supreme Court has restrained the Enforcement Directorate from accessing and copying data from electronic devices seized during searches conducted on “lottery king” Santiago Martin, his relatives and employees in November.

The central law enforcement agency had conducted the searches in six states following a complaint by Meghalaya Police. The police had alleged that Martin’s company, Future Gaming and Hotel Services, had illegally captured the lottery business in the state.

The searches had led to Rs 12.4 crore in cash being seized, according to The Indian Express.

In a December 13 interim order, Justices Abhay S Oka and Pankaj Mithal directed the Future Gaming case to be heard along with other matters about electronic devices being seized.

The four cases listed in Future Gaming’s plea include those filed by petitioners in the NewsClick case who are seeking guidelines from the court on the seizure of mobile phones and laptops by the Delhi Police in October 2023 and Amazon India employees challenging the Enforcement Directorate’s demands to submit their digital devices.

The petitioners have sought to protect their fundamental right to privacy.

The Supreme Court has directed the Enforcement Directorate not to access or copy the contents of Martin’s mobile phone and other electronic devices belonging to the employees of Future Gaming.

The bench also stayed the summons issued by the central agency under...

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