The Supreme Court of India on Wednesday expressed satisfaction with the progress of CCTV installation across police stations nationwide, noting that the majority of states and Union Territories are moving in the “right direction” to ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta, and Vijay Bishnoi observed that substantial work has been completed toward the implementation of surveillance systems. During the hearing, the Court confirmed that the Central Government would consider various requests from state governments for the disbursal of funds specifically earmarked for these installations.
The proceedings are part of a suo motu matter initiated by the apex court following media reports highlighting the lack of functional CCTVs in police stations—a critical tool for preventing human rights abuses.
Senior advocate Siddhartha Dave, acting as amicus curiae (friend of the court), reported that a high-level meeting took place on May 6 involving representatives from the Centre, all states, and Union Territories. This meeting followed an April 28 court order aimed at resolving bottlenecks in fund utilization.
“It’s moving in the good direction,” Dave informed the bench, while noting that a few remaining issues would require further deliberation. He scheduled a follow-up meeting with authorities for June or July to address these lingering concerns before the next hearing, which the Court has posted for July 22.
The successful rollout of the CCTV project hinges on a tiered funding model. Dave clarified the financial responsibilities:
- Union Territories: 100% funded by the Centre.
- Hilly States: 90% central funding, with 10% provided by the state.
- Remaining States: A 60/40 split between the Centre and the respective state governments.
Earlier in April, the Centre had assured the court that all outstanding issues regarding the project would be resolved within a two-week window.
The Supreme Court’s mandate, which traces back to a landmark 2018 order to check human rights violations, includes rigorous technical specifications. In 2020, the Court expanded this directive to include the offices of investigating agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Under the current guidelines, states must ensure total coverage of police facilities, including:
- All entry and exit points and main gates.
- Lock-ups, corridors, lobbies, and reception areas.
- Areas immediately outside lock-up rooms.
The Court has insisted that these systems be equipped with night vision and both audio and video recording capabilities. Crucially, the systems must be capable of storing data for at least one year, ensuring that evidence remains available for any necessary investigations into custodial conduct.
