A Critical Analysis On The Relevancy And Questionable Ethics Of Sting Operation: An Evidentiary Perspective

Rashmitha M K, B.Com LLB (Hons), Tamil Nadu National Law University, Tiruchirappalli Tamil Nadu

ABSTRACT:

In the fields of law enforcement and investigative journalism, sting operations— covert actions intended to discourage illegal activity against public morality— have become increasingly common. The word "sting" comes from American police techniques and refers to the practice of laying traps to catch criminals. These activities are information-gathering missions designed to uncover hidden or misrepresented facts that avoid ordinary scrutiny. Sting operations are carried out with the goal of improving government accountability and openness, but they must balance protecting the public interest with protecting privacy. This article examines the contradictory character of sting operations, emphasizing both their ability to infringe upon the individual's privacy and their effectiveness in obtaining vital information. By referencing past legal decisions, such as those from the Supreme Court, it emphasizes the careful balance between preserving individual freedoms and right to privacy with that of the public's "right to know".