V.T. CHOKSI SARVAJANIK LAW COLLEGE, SURAT.
THIRD LL.B. (2022-23
CORE COMPULSORY CLINICAL COURSE CC-604 (CBCS)
MOOT PROBLEM -I
Technology has changed every walk of life, business and governance. It is undeniable
that new technologies bring benefits to mankind and society at large,not without its own
shortcomings. The development of technology has ushered-in an era of opportunities but
also challenges. The safety of personal information and data, dignity of individuals, are
considered to be of paramount interest; and safety of individual members’ data is equal
to that of the protection of individual dignity. The need for upholding the privacy
concerns was upheld by the courts including the Apex Courts in different j
jictions,
Along with the development of digital infrastructure, growth of cyber space and users
have also increased manifold all over the world, “Think Data’ is an Indian firm and well-
known for its data analytics and consulting services. The company was incorporated in
India in the year 2016 and its operations extended to the countries across the globe. ‘The
company has a tumover of rupees twelve million and has an employee force of about
2000 on their payroll
‘Think Data in its endeavor to explore niche markets has partnered with the Research Cell
ofa local university headed by Professor Suryakant Shinde who has great experience in
academic research. Professor Suryakant Shinde has developed a platform known as
“Dost” for the purpose of collecting information and data for his research.
Prof. Suryakant Shinde, for his research project on consumer preferences, designed «
questionnaire and conducted a survey using the Dost platform to understand personal
traits and collected information from various stakeholders across the globe. Every
stakeholder who participated in the survey had to login or signup through Dost, and all
the personal information of the stakeholders was stored in the Dost.
‘The researcher developed the questionnaire and collected the personality profiles of the
participants of the survey and profiled every user with theit personality traits. In about
three months, more than three million users across the globe took part in Prof.
Suryakant Shinde’s survey and Dost users’ profile data was harvested. Prof. Suryakant
Shinde’s survey was for the purpose of academic research. Prof. Suryakant Shinde shared
the data harvested with Think Data as per the agreement with the Research Cell of theUniversity without the knowledge and consent of the people being surveyed. The users
data harvested was strategically collected from individuals of different professions
including political parties, social and philanthropic organizations, business houses,
medical professionals and others in addition to the employees and students, The
information collected spread over a period of 3 years.
‘The data collected through Dost was analyzed according to their personality, location,
taste & habits and their political affiliations and was sold to Think Data as per the terms
agreed earlier.
The data gathered through the profiling of Dost which was shared with Think Data
continued for three years until Mr. Ramesh Sharma, a former employee of Think Data,
through an unidentified source presented an Article in a famous newspaper “The First”
which was titled “Data Heist”. Mr, Ramesh Sharma went onto National Television and
presented his grievance and objection on the procuring of data through infringement of
fundamental right to privacy, data mining, data analysis and misuse of the same by Think
Data and Prof. Suryakant Shinde for commercial purpose.
In response to the allegations made through media, the CEO of Think Data has
categorically stated that there was no data breach since no passwords were stolen and
used. It was used as per the agreement with Dost and was developed by Prof. Suryakant
Shinde as per their request. He also assured that if required it would develop an app to
force delete all Dost web search data by its users. He also assured to appoint an agency
to investigate into the matter and submit a report
A third-party auditor was hired by Think Data to investigate the wrong doings of Dost
and Prof, Suryakant Shinde relating to data privacy. The investigator was also directed
to find whether their ex-employee Mr. Ramesh Sharma was ethical and legal in going to
the media with such an allegation about the company without informing the Think Data
in the first instance.
). An NGO named “The Millennials” filed a petition under Article 226 of Constitution of
India seeking appropriate orders to protect the rights under Article 21 of Constitution of
India against Dost, Think Data and Prof. Suryakant Shinde before the Hon'ble High
Court of Gujarat alleging that they had violated the data privacy of millions of users.> Following are the issues before the Hon’ble High Court of Gujarat:
i) Whether there was infringement of right to privacy as envisaged under Article 21?
ii) Whether the accused are guilty of criminal breach of trust r/w section 34 of Indian
Penal Code, 1860?
Whether there exists common intention amongst the accused?
iv) Whether there was infringement of right to privacy in cyber space with reference
to The Information Technology Act, 2000?
Instructions:
‘Students shall have to present written memorials and oral arguments on behalf of both the
parties on the issues presented and the laws in force.
‘The facts mentioned in the present case are fictitious and have been drafted solely for the
purpose of the moot court. The faets, names, locations and dates bear no resemblance to any
person, event or happening whether dead or alive. Any resemblance, if found is purely
coincidental. The problem does not intend to hurt the feelings of any section or to offend
any person.
urce: Moot Problem 2,
Shri NJ Yasaswi 6" Memorial International Moot Court Competition, 2021.
ICFAI Law School, IFHE,
Hyderabad,
India.
Modified version of moot problem prepared by Adv. Shri Rakshita Shah.
shri Nikunj Rathod.
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