Will the SC Address the Issue of Non-Functional CCTV Cameras in Police Stations on Monday?
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Synopsis
The Supreme Court is poised to address a critical issue concerning non-functional CCTV cameras in police stations nationwide. As alarming incidents of custodial deaths emerge, the Court's intervention highlights the pressing need for accountability and transparency in law enforcement. This case underscores the importance of technology in safeguarding human rights.
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court to address non-functional CCTV issue.
- 11 custodial deaths in Rajasthan raise alarms.
- Need for accountability and transparency in police.
- Previous mandates for CCTV installation and maintenance.
- SHOs held responsible for CCTV system upkeep.
New Delhi, Sep 14 (NationPress) The Supreme Court is scheduled to address a suo motu case regarding the absence of operational CCTV cameras in police stations nationwide on Monday.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta acknowledged a media report that indicated a troubling statistic: 11 individuals lost their lives while in police custody in Rajasthan within the first eight months of 2025, with seven of these incidents occurring in the Udaipur division alone.
“We have encountered a concerning news article… This report highlights that there have been 11 fatalities in police custody in Rajasthan over the past 8 months of 2025, with 7 of these tragic occurrences taking place in the Udaipur Division,” stated the Bench led by Justice Nath in its order issued on September 4.
The report further noted that numerous remand rooms in police stations fall outside the purview of CCTV surveillance, and police often cite reasons such as technical issues, insufficient storage, ongoing investigations, or legal constraints to withhold footage.
In certain instances, law enforcement simply declined to provide the footage or postponed its release.
“Consequently, we take suo motu cognizance of the aforementioned news article titled ‘In Re: Lack of Functional CCTVs in Police Stations’ and instruct the Registry to present these proceedings to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India for necessary follow-up actions,” ordered the Bench led by Justice Nath.
The Supreme Court has previously mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations to enhance transparency and mitigate instances of custodial torture. It directed that no area within a police station should be devoid of coverage and that footage must be preserved for a minimum of 18 months in digital or network video recorders.
In 2023, the apex court granted both the Centre and states a “final opportunity” to comply within three months. It also held station house officers (SHOs) personally accountable for the upkeep, data backup, and repair of CCTV systems.
Point of View
I believe it is paramount to uphold the rights of individuals within our justice system. The Supreme Court's decision to address the lack of functional CCTV cameras in police stations is a crucial step towards ensuring accountability and safeguarding human rights. We must advocate for a transparent and fair law enforcement system that protects citizens.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Supreme Court's hearing?
The hearing aims to address the critical issue of non-functional CCTV cameras in police stations, which impacts transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
What prompted the Supreme Court to take notice?
The Court took notice following a media report highlighting alarming statistics of custodial deaths in Rajasthan.
What are the implications of non-functional CCTV cameras?
The lack of operational CCTV cameras can lead to increased incidents of custodial torture and undermine public trust in law enforcement.
What measures has the Supreme Court previously mandated?
The Supreme Court has mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations and directed that footage be preserved for at least 18 months.
What responsibility do station house officers have?
Station house officers (SHOs) are personally responsible for the maintenance, data backup, and repair of CCTV systems in their stations.
