Apple Not Bound to Act as Law Enforcement Agency in Tracing Stolen iPhone: Supreme Court Obliterates State Commission’s Direction
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Satish Chandra Sharma, has set aside a contentious directive of the State Commission which mandated Apple India Private Ltd. To function akin to a law enforcement agency for tracing a stolen iPhone.
Legal Point of the Judgment: The core legal issue revolved around a directive issued by the State Commission on November 26, 2020, which was contested in the Special Leave Petition (C) No. 18343 of 2021 by Apple India. The directive in question, found in Paragraph 14 of the State Commission’s order, essentially required the company to trace a stolen iPhone using its unique identity number, thereby imposing law enforcement responsibilities on a private entity.
Facts and Issues: The petitioner, Apple India, had already compensated the respondent, Harish Chandra Mohanty, as per the District Forum’s order, addressing the primary grievance concerning a stolen iPhone. However, the company challenged the specific direction in the State Commission’s order which went beyond compensation and delved into recovery of the stolen product.
Court’s Assessment: The Supreme Court carefully examined the submissions and the impugned paragraph from the State Commission’s order. The Court observed, “The said observations were not warranted,” acknowledging the inappropriateness of requiring a private company to undertake responsibilities akin to those of law enforcement agencies. Consequently, the Court directed the deletion of Paragraph 14 from the State Commission’s order, thus relieving Apple India of the duty to trace stolen products.
Decision of Judgment: The Special Leave Petition was disposed of with this modification in the State Commission’s order. The Court also disposed of any pending applications related to this matter.
Date of Decision: February 16, 2024
Apple India Private Ltd. Vs Harish Chandra Mohanty & Anr.
