The tape allegedly shows evidence of corruption at the highest levels, and has led to the resignation of senior members of the government. It's not the first time secret video footage has caused a scandal. Last year the cricket world was hit by allegations of match fixing as a result of secret filming by the same news web-site. This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.
Public officials handling matters of public concern are completely fair game.
It's not as if they were secretly taped while talking about their own family matters. The fact that they are susceptible to bribery and corruption is a matter of serious concern, whether they asked for a bribe or not is irrelevant. While the Tehelka journalists were acting in the best interests of the public by exposing the corruption, the methods employed, if attempted elsewhere, would have been considered entrapment. In addition, the timing of the report, released just after the budget was announced but before it was passed, and ahead of key elections, borders on sensationalism. So, Mr Tarun Tejpal and the Tehelka journalists, while I applaud your intent, I cannot support your actions.