Context:
Recently, a prisoner in Jammu and Kashmir was released on bail after he was tagged with a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker anklet on his foot to monitor his movements. This is the first time in the country that a GPS tracker has been put to such use.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- GPS Tracker Anklets: Monitoring Legal Supervision
- Global Positioning System (GPS)
GPS Tracker Anklets: Monitoring Legal Supervision
- Wearable Devices: Small devices attached to the ankles of individuals under legal supervision (parole, probation, house arrest, or bail).
- Types: GPS anklets for the ankle and GPS bracelets for the arm.
- Tamper-Proof: Designed to be tamper-proof; any attempt to remove or damage triggers an alarm.
- Battery Life: Several days of battery life; rechargeable by the wearer.
Supervision and Enforcement
- Curfews and Restrictions: Enforce curfews, travel restrictions, and other court or agency-imposed conditions.
- Real-time Monitoring: Utilizes GPS technology for real-time monitoring of the wearer’s exact location.
Criminal Justice Benefits
- Cost Alleviation: Alleviates criminal justice costs by addressing prison overcrowding and redirecting resources to serious offenses.
- Public Safety and Rehabilitation: Balances public safety and rehabilitation, deterring crime, ensuring law compliance, and fostering offender well-being.
Global Legal Position
- Precondition for Bail: GPS trackers are a precondition for bail in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia.
Concerns in India
- Rights Activists’ Perspective: Viewed as a violation of the fundamental right to privacy and dignity of offenders by rights activists.
- Supreme Court Ruling: In the case of ‘Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India’ (1978), the Supreme Court ruled that the right to life includes the right to human dignity.
- Legal and Ethical Issues: Raises legal and ethical concerns due to the absence of clear laws and regulations governing their usage in India.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
Satellite Navigation Technology: GPS, a satellite-powered navigation system, is designed for the accurate determination of ground positions.
Ownership and Service Offerings
- Owned by the United States: The system is under the ownership of the United States government.
- Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Services: Users benefit from Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services provided by GPS.
User Demographics
- Utilized by Civilians and the Military: GPS serves both civilian and military users.
- Global Civilian Access: Civilian users enjoy free and continuous global access to GPS services.
- Exclusive Military Access: Military services are available to the US and allied armed forces, along with approved Government agencies.
Operational Mechanism
Satellite-Based Navigation System:
- GPS operates as a navigation system based on a network of satellites.
Primary Objective
Precision in Ground Positioning:
- The primary purpose of GPS is to provide accurate ground positioning for various applications.
Global Availability
Continuous Accessibility Worldwide:
- Civilian users can access GPS services continuously on a worldwide basis.
Military Implementation
Dedicated Military Service:
- Exclusive GPS services cater to the navigation needs of the US and allied armed forces, as well as approved Government agencies.
-Source: Indian Express
