Supreme Court Orders Ex-Telangana Intelligence Chief to Share iCloud Password in Phone-Tapping Case

The Supreme Court on Monday directed former Telangana Intelligence Chief, T. Prabhakar Rao, who is the main accused in the alleged phone-tapping case, to reset and provide access to his iCloud account in the presence of forensic experts from the State Police.

A Bench of Justice BV Nagarathna and Justice R. Mahadevan passed the order while hearing Rao’s anticipatory bail plea. The Telangana Government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, had filed an application seeking to vacate the interim protection from arrest granted to Rao earlier.

State’s Allegation of Non-Cooperation

The Solicitor General argued that the investigation was being obstructed because of Rao’s “non-cooperation.” He alleged that Rao had formatted electronic devices and destroyed crucial evidence while enjoying court protection.
“I will present facts that will shock the court,” Mehta told the Bench, claiming that forensic reports confirmed the devices were wiped clean.

Defence Claims Full Cooperation

Senior Advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu, appearing for Rao, rejected the allegations. He said Rao had appeared for questioning 11 times, undergoing nearly 18 hours of interrogation, all of which were recorded.
“My client has fully cooperated. The records themselves will show the truth,” Naidu said, explaining that Rao had forgotten the password to his old iCloud account.

Naidu added that Rao was ready to reset the password in the presence of forensic experts, stating, “I am not hiding behind privacy. I am cooperating fully and abiding by this Court’s directions.”

Court Questions Data Deletion

Justice Nagarathna raised doubts about the deletion of data and the integrity of the devices, remarking, “You deleted the devices.”
Naidu replied, “It was done following departmental protocol. I did not personally delete anything; the department’s computer experts did.”

Justice Mahadevan also asked Rao’s counsel how one could be sure that no data was erased from the iCloud account. Naidu responded that electronic footprints could confirm all activity.

‘It Cannot Be a Tamasha!’ – Court on Political Interference

Naidu alleged that during interrogation, “politicians, MPs and MLAs” were present and even participated in questioning.
Justice Nagarathna expressed strong disapproval, saying, “It cannot be a tamasha! How can MPs and MLAs be part of an investigation? They cannot act as spectators or investigators.”
However, the Solicitor General denied this claim and said an affidavit could be filed to clarify the issue.

State’s Claim of Evidence Destruction

The Solicitor General further submitted that Rao had intercepted calls of several high-profile individuals, not just politicians. After filing his bail plea, he allegedly formatted his device, making it appear “as good as new.”
“It is not our assumption; the CFSL report confirms this,” Mehta stated. He added that Rao had bought 15 external hard drives for backups but later denied having any data.

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Political Motivation Alleged

Naidu alleged that the entire investigation was politically motivated, claiming, “The Chief Minister publicly stated that I will be jailed — it is their dream.”
The Solicitor General, however, strongly denied the accusation.

Court’s Directions

After an hour-long hearing, the Supreme Court directed as follows:

“Whenever the petitioner is summoned, he shall reset and activate the iCloud password in the presence of forensic experts, as submitted by his counsel. We grant the second prayer sought by the State in the interlocutory application and extend the protection from arrest until the next hearing.”

The “second prayer” referred to the State’s request for Rao to provide his iCloud credentials, details of devices used for backup, and other information essential to the investigation.

Thus, while continuing interim protection from arrest, the Court ensured that Rao must fully cooperate with investigators.

Background of the Case

• May 3, 2025: The Telangana High Court rejected Rao’s plea for interim protection from arrest.
• May 29, 2025: The Supreme Court returned Rao’s passport to facilitate his return from the United States and ordered that no coercive action be taken against him.
• Rao maintains that he left India before being accused and that the State subsequently cancelled his passport and issued a Red Corner Notice.
• The Telangana Government has opposed his anticipatory bail, calling him an absconder.

Case Details

Case Title: T. Prabhakar Rao vs. The State of Telangana
Case Number: SLP (Crl) No. 7354/2025
Bench: Justice BV Nagarathna & Justice R. Mahadevan
Hearing Date: 14 October 2025