The Supreme Court has directed the Union Home Secretary to appear in person and explain the status of implementing CCTV surveillance in police stations across India. The matter is part of a suo motu case examining reports that cameras in many stations, including in Tamil Nadu, are either absent or not functioning properly.
The court recalled its 2018 directions that CCTV coverage in police stations must be ensured to help monitor and prevent human rights violations. It reiterated that surveillance should not be merely symbolic and must be actively monitored for effectiveness.
In 2020, the Supreme Court had expanded the requirement to include offices of central investigative agencies such as the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. It also specified mandatory locations for cameras, including entry and exit points, lock-ups and their outer areas, and reception spaces, with night-vision, audio recording, and storage of footage for up to one year.
During the latest hearing before a bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, the court also raised concerns about Chinese-imported CCTV systems allegedly transmitting visuals and data abroad. When asked whether the Centre had issued any advisory to remove such cameras from police stations and other sensitive locations, the Additional Solicitor General said no official order had been issued so far.
Expressing dissatisfaction that senior officials were not deputed for earlier discussions on the project’s framework and feasibility, the bench said an officer not below the rank of secretary should be sent. The case is listed again today, when the Union Home Secretary has been asked to appear and clarify the Centre’s cooperation and implementation plan.
