Given the perceived challenge to national security, from non-state parties and hostile nations, is it worth enquiring whether IRS data marketed through Space Imaging, USA is a possible source of supply of sensitive information about India? Or, if in the absence of law to the contrary, the existing grey market is legal? Or what kind of legal regime will ensure easy access to reliable IRS data without compromising national security? Finally, is the time appropriate for India to revisit its current IRS data distribution policy?
The writer specialises in space and aviation law