Court Calls for Strict Compliance with Supreme Court Directions to Prevent Human Rights Violations
In a significant move aimed at ensuring transparency and preventing human rights violations, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has emphasized the critical importance of installing and adequately monitoring CCTV cameras in police stations across the states of Punjab, Haryana, and the Union Territory of Chandigarh. The directions came from Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj in response to concerns raised about the lack of proper oversight and maintenance of CCTV systems, which were mandated by the Supreme Court in previous judgments.
In the case of Suraj Rai v. State of Punjab, the High Court reiterated the Supreme Court's directives from the landmark cases Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2021) and Shafhi Mohammad v. The State Of Himachal Pradesh (2018), which call for the establishment of Central, State, and District Level Oversight Committees to oversee the implementation and maintenance of CCTV systems. These committees are responsible for ensuring that footage is stored for a minimum of six months and that any potential human rights violations are promptly addressed.
During the hearing, Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal and Inspector Gurpreet Singh were present, with the court noting the absence of the officer issued a contempt notice for failing to appear. The Deputy Commissioner admitted to receiving monthly reports from police stations, but expressed uncertainty about the thoroughness of inspections and the effectiveness of oversight.
Amicus Curiae raised concerns about the lack of public availability of instructions from the Central Oversight Body, suggesting possible gaps in the implementation of directives. This prompted the court to demand comprehensive affidavits from the State Level Oversight Committees detailing compliance, data collection, and any discrepancies noticed over the past five years.
Justice Bhardwaj stressed the need for holistic implementation of Supreme Court instructions, urging the oversight committees to ensure the functionality of CCTVs and proper storage of footage. The court has requested a detailed list of instructions issued by the Central Oversight Body and compliance reports from the respective oversight committees by May 22, 2026.
The move underscores the court's commitment to safeguarding human rights and ensuring transparency within police operations. By calling for stricter compliance and enhanced monitoring, the Punjab and Haryana High Court aims to address systemic issues and reinforce accountability across law enforcement agencies.
Bottom line:-
Compliance with Supreme Court directions on installation and monitoring of CCTV cameras in police stations, including data storage and oversight by Central, State, and District Level Oversight Committees, is crucial to ensure transparency and prevent violations of human rights.
Statutory provision(s): Article 21 of the Constitution of India, Supreme Court directions from Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2021) 1 SCC 184, Supreme Court directions from Shafhi Mohammad v. The State Of Himachal Pradesh (2018) 5 SCC 311
Suraj Rai v. State of Punjab, (Punjab And Haryana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2897992
