The Wire Wrap | Income Tax Dept's Access to Social Media Accounts, SC on Fundamental Rights

Starting April 1, 2026, income tax authorities will be able to access and scrutinise every person’s social media accounts, personal emails, bank accounts, online investment accounts, trading accounts and more according to the new I-T bill.

While allowing podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia to continue airing his show, the Supreme Court suggested that the Union government draft a proposal to regulate the broadcasting of programs that ‘offend’ societal norms. The court also said that fundamental rights are not provided to citizens “on a platter”.

Meanwhile Indian markets continue to tumble, leaving middle class savings vulnerable.

The Wire’s Sravasti Dasgupta is joined by M.K. Venu, founding editor, The Wire and Apar Gupta, advocate and founder, Internet Freedom Foundation.