The Delhi High Court on Tuesday mandated the Chief Secretary to resolve a complaint raised by BJP MLA Abhay Verma, who alleges discriminatory practices in the installation of CCTV cameras by the AAP government. The complaint claims that cameras are primarily installed in constituencies represented by AAP leaders.
Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela have instructed that the plea by the legislator from the Laxmi Nagar constituency be treated as a formal representation to the Chief Secretary. The court has requested a decision on this matter within two weeks.
Verma’s plea pointed to the budget speech for 2020-21 by former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, which authorized the installation of CCTV cameras, a project overseen by the Delhi Public Works Department (PWD). According to the plea, the PWD has been selective, installing cameras only in AAP-dominated areas, thereby misusing the powers granted.
During the proceedings, Delhi government’s standing counsel Santosh Kumar Tripathi defended the installation process, asserting it was based on a thorough survey and denied any discriminatory practices.*
Verma’s counsel, Advocate Satya Ranjan Swain, highlighted that several representations made by the MLA, including one in 2022, have not yet been addressed. He claimed that despite a survey by Bharat Electronics Limited indicating a need for 2,066 cameras in Laxmi Nagar, this constituency was conspicuously overlooked in the camera installation approvals granted by the PWD minister.
The plea underscored that the absence of CCTV cameras not only compromises the safety and security of the residents but also adversely affects the law and order in the area. It further lamented that while AAP constituencies benefited from the sanctioned funds, Laxmi Nagar was neglected, which led to another unaddressed representation to the Chief Secretary.
