Why is it in the news?

• A prisoner in Jammu and Kashmir was released on bail with a GPS tracking device attached to monitor his movements, a first in India.

 About GPS Tracker

• GPS trackers are small, wearable devices used to monitor an individual’s location in real time.
• They are tamper-proof, and any attempt to tamper with them triggers an alarm. Removal without authorization damages the device.
• GPS trackers can be attached to the ankle or arm, resulting in GPS anklets or GPS bracelets.
• These devices are widely available and are used not only on individuals but also on animals and vehicles.

Reason for GPS Tracker

• GPS trackers could help curb activities like narco-smuggling and terrorism by monitoring interactions with active terrorists, collecting narco-assignments, or terror funds.
• GPS trackers as a bail precondition are common in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia.

Legal Position and Human Rights Concerns

• Though the use of GPS anklets on above prisoner was sanctioned by a court, but there are no specific legal provisions allowing this in India.
• Human rights activists raise concerns about standards, ethics, and privacy. They argue that tracking individuals violates their fundamental right to privacy and cite the right to life and human dignity.
• Hence, proper informed consent procedures and mechanisms to address unethical and illegal practices are required in cases of electronic monitoring and surveillance.