After demonetization was announced by PM Narendra Modi on November 8, 2016, everyone was at knee-jerk reaction to convert their cash-in-hand. People who have loads of cash headed to their chartered accountants or their finance consultants to seek a better solution. There was also a perception that phone nos. of chartered accountants and bank employees are being tapped by Government of India.

We asked the question "Is the government of India tapping phones of chartered accountants and bank managers in post demonetization?" on the quora forum where people within the industry posted answers.

Respondent 1 was of opinion that:

"Out of 2.5 lakhs in India . Even if they think they should do it. It would be very difficult. But Anyone acquitted earlier or people have raid charges against then are generally under watch.even before and after demonization"

Respondent 2 was of view that:

"No Indian government is not tapping any phone calls of Chartered Accountants of Bank Managers. Because of following

There are more than 2,50,000 + chartered accountants in India to tap a phone of them they require the approval of home ministry which is not feasible.

It is not necessary that client will call only to CA they may contact the lawyers, relatives or business partners.

Not all CAs are corrupt so the government will not find anything offensive with respect to black money.

Not only CAs are professionals involved in money management there are several other professional to manage things eg Cost Accountants, fund managers, investment bankers etc"

Respondent 3 feels answered:

"Answer is NO. Its daily rumor which could be heard these days but the fact is Indian government or any other institutions are not doing the same. To tape someone’s call or enter into private life, is breach of one’s privacy and to do so there is legal procedures to be followed up. So take a chill pill because nothing such is happening."

and Respondent 4 said:

"Ever since demonetization, I have got at least three calls, asking for help for getting notes exchanged with new currency. No one personally came to me.

However as I could make out from the tone, they were all testing waters as the tone did not looked like of affected person. I can only guess, if they were trying to check if I am into all this or not."

It is still unclear if phones are actually being tapped. But no professional wanted to be in trouble and people are using WhatsApp calls to communicate with each other.