How GPS anklet work

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Awareness in IT

Context: For the first time in India, a prisoner in J&K has been given bail on condition that his movements are monitored constantly.

More about the news:

In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, a prisoner in Jammu and Kashmir, Ghulam Mohammad Bhat, accused under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, has been released on bail with a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device attached to monitor his movements.
The release followed a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court’s decision in Jammu, upholding the prosecution’s plea and instructing the police to place a GPS tracker anklet on Bhat’s foot.
Bhat, associated with the late Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Geelani, was arrested in 2011 on charges of being a hawala operator financing separatists.
The use of a GPS tracker in this context marks a novel approach to monitoring the activities of individuals on bail.

What is a GPS tracker, and how does it work:

A GPS tracker is a compact, wearable gadget similar to GPS collars commonly used to track animal movements.
This device constantly provides the precise location of the wearer, enabling real-time monitoring by law enforcement and security agencies.
Characteristics:
- The GPS tracker is designed to be tamper-proof, triggering an alarm if any attempt is made to interfere with it.
- Additionally, it cannot be removed without causing damage, ensuring its security.
- The device can be affixed to either the ankle or arm, resulting in variations such as GPS anklets and GPS bracelets.
Applications:
These trackers are utilized for monitoring the movements of wildlife, such as rogue elephants in Kerala or cheetahs in Kuno.
In addition, they find application in modern automobiles, where they are integrated to facilitate tracing in case of theft, or owners can opt for separate installations.

What is the legal position on the use of GPS Anklet:

In the Indian context, the court authorized the use of a GPS anklet on Bhat. However, human rights activists have raised concerns about the lack of specific legal provisions permitting such measures.
Contrastingly, in various other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia, the use of GPS trackers is a prerequisite for bail.
In the UK, electronic monitoring may fall under the Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures Act of 2011.
In Malaysia, the legal framework for electronic monitoring has been established through amendments to existing legislation and the introduction of new laws, such as
- The Prevention of Crime Act, 1959,
- Security Offences Act, 2012,
- Dangerous Drugs (Special Prevention Measures) Act,
- Criminal Procedure Code.