In a recent development that has sparked controversy, a BJP MLA has filed a petition in the Delhi High Court, alleging that CCTV cameras are predominantly being installed in constituencies represented by AAP leaders. The case is slated for a hearing on August 27 before a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.
Abhay Verma, the BJP MLA from Laxmi Nagar Constituency in East Delhi, claims that the installation of CCTV cameras has been biased under the AAP government’s tenure. According to Verma, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had approved funding for this purpose in the 2020-21 budget, but the actual deployment of the cameras has been selective, favoring AAP-dominated areas.
The plea, represented by advocate Satya Ranjan Swain, points out that the Delhi government’s Public Works Department (PWD), which is responsible for the installation, has been exercising a ‘pick and choose’ policy. This policy allegedly excludes certain constituencies, specifically Laxmi Nagar, from receiving these security enhancements.
Supporting his claim with data from Bharat Electronics Limited, Verma highlighted that Laxmi Nagar requires a total of 2,066 cameras for effective surveillance. Despite his representations to the chief secretary of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD), there has been no action or response, leading to a purported deterioration in the law and order situation and heightened security risks for the residents.
The petition seeks an immediate judicial intervention to ensure equitable distribution of CCTV installations across all constituencies, including Laxmi Nagar, based on the technical survey. The Delhi government and the PWD have been named as respondents in the case.
