Supreme Court Demands Accountability Over Non-Functional CCTVs in Police Stations
Apex Court Acts on Custodial Deaths and Inadequate CCTV Implementation in Rajasthan
In a significant move to enforce accountability and transparency, the Supreme Court of India has taken suo moto cognizance of the non-functional CCTV cameras in police stations across Rajasthan. This action follows alarming reports of custodial deaths and inadequate surveillance measures, as highlighted in the Rajasthan edition of the 'Dainik Bhaskar' newspaper.
The court has drawn attention to the grievous loss of 11 lives in police custody within the first eight months of 2025, with seven incidents occurring in the Udaipur Division alone. The inability to procure crucial CCTV footage from concerned police stations has raised serious concerns about compliance with the Supreme Court's earlier directives in the landmark case of Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh, (2021) 1 SCC 184. This case mandated the installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras in police stations to ensure transparency and prevent custodial abuse.
The bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta has issued directives to the State of Rajasthan to furnish detailed responses on several key aspects regarding the implementation and functionality of CCTVs in police stations. The court has emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive audit and maintenance protocol to ensure the effective functioning of these surveillance systems. Queries have been raised regarding the number, specifications, and operational status of cameras, alongside the mechanisms for storage, maintenance, and audit of the footage.
Furthermore, the court has sought clarification on the training protocols for officers in handling video footage, ensuring data protection, and understanding the judicial admissibility of such evidence. The Director General of Police, Rajasthan, has been instructed to submit a detailed affidavit addressing these concerns within two weeks.
This initiative by the Supreme Court underscores its commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights within police custody. The court has scheduled the next hearing for October 14, 2025, to assess the state's compliance and further action.
Statutory provision(s): Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh, (2021) 1 SCC 184
In Re: Lack of Functional CCTVs In Police Stations, (SC) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2784475
