Install CCTV Cameras In All Police Stations By March 31, Strictly Follow SOP On Dealing With Members Of Armed...
SC Directions: Install CCTV Cameras in All Police Stations by March 31 & Follow SOP While Dealing With Armed Forces Members
The Supreme Court of India has issued strict directions to ensure accountability, transparency, and protection of human rights in police stations and during interactions with members of the armed forces.
1. Background
The case came before the SC on concerns of custodial torture, human rights violations, and lack of transparency in police functioning.
Earlier in Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2020) 13 SCC 703, the SC had already directed installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations and investigative agencies.
Despite repeated directions, compliance remained patchy.
The Court has now reiterated deadlines and accountability mechanisms.
2. SC’s Key Directions
(a) Installation of CCTV Cameras
All police stations and offices of central agencies (CBI, NIA, ED, NCB, DRI, etc.) must be equipped with working CCTV cameras by March 31 (mandatory deadline).
Cameras must cover:
Entry and exit points
Lock-ups
Corridors
Interrogation rooms
Inspector rooms
Station premises
🔹 Case Law: Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2020) – CCTV installation mandatory in all police stations.
(b) Data Storage
CCTV footage must be preserved for at least 18 months.
States/UTs must ensure sufficient storage capacity (digital/cloud-based) to prevent tampering or loss of evidence.
(c) Oversight Committees
State and District Level Oversight Committees (SLOC & DLOC) to monitor CCTV implementation.
Committees must submit reports regularly to ensure compliance.
(d) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) with Armed Forces
The SC reiterated that any complaint against Armed Forces personnel must strictly follow the guidelines in Extra Judicial Execution Victim Families Assn. (EEVFAM) v. Union of India (2016) 14 SCC 536.
SOP ensures:
No blanket immunity to Armed Forces under AFSPA.
Each complaint must be investigated fairly.
Accountability for excesses or human rights violations.
(e) Rights of Accused and Detainees
Installation of CCTVs is linked to Articles 21 & 22 of the Constitution ensuring:
Protection from custodial torture.
Right to life with dignity.
Transparency in police functioning.
🔹 Case Law:
D.K. Basu v. State of West Bengal (1997) 1 SCC 416 – Laid down guidelines against custodial torture.
Shafhi Mohammad v. State of Himachal Pradesh (2018) 5 SCC 311 – Directed use of technology (CCTVs) for accountability.
3. Court’s Warning
States and Union Territories must comply without delay.
Failure to install CCTVs or preserve footage would invite contempt of court proceedings.
4. Significance of the Judgment
Strengthens rule of law and transparency.
Protects citizens’ fundamental rights under Article 21.
Ensures accountability in police stations and central agencies, where complaints of torture are most common.
Prevents misuse of AFSPA while ensuring legitimate operations of armed forces are not hindered.
✅ Conclusion:
The SC has rightly mandated CCTV installation across all police stations and agencies by March 31, linking it with the constitutional guarantee of fair treatment and protection against custodial torture. The insistence on strict compliance with SOPs for Armed Forces also ensures that national security and human rights remain balanced.
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