In a move that could significantly transform police accountability in India, the Supreme Court of India has reserved orders in a suo motu case addressing the lack of functional CCTV cameras and the disturbing pattern of custodial deaths across Rajasthan.
Court’s Observations on CCTV Monitoring
A Bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta highlighted that installing cameras is not enough unless they are effectively monitored. The Court voiced concern that cameras can easily be switched off by police personnel, rendering the system ineffective.
“Issue is of oversight. Today there may be compliance affidavit, tomorrow officers may switch off cameras…we were thinking of a control room in which there is no human intervention…any camera goes off, there is a flag…there has to be inspection of police station also by independent agency…we can think of involving IIT to provide mechanism so that CCTV footage is monitored without human intervention,”
– Justice Sandeep Mehta
Background: Paramvir Singh Saini Judgment
This issue stems from the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2020), where the Court mandated:
- Installation of CCTV cameras in every police station in India
- Creation of oversight committees at State and District levels
- Periodic inspections to ensure the cameras remain functional
Despite this judgment, compliance has been patchy. Many cameras are either not installed, non-functional, or deliberately disabled, leading to lack of transparency in police functioning.
Senior Counsel’s Submissions
Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave informed the Court that while some States have complied, others – including central agencies like ED, NIA, and CBI – have not fully implemented the directions.
He argued that automated monitoring is essential to prevent tampering and to protect citizens from custodial torture and abuse.
Court’s Tech-Driven Approach
In a progressive step, the Court is considering:
- Independent control rooms to monitor CCTV feeds
- Automated alerts when cameras go offline
- Collaboration with IITs to design tamper-proof monitoring systems
Such a system would reduce human interference and ensure uninterrupted oversight, which is critical in preventing custodial deaths.
Why This Case Matters
The Court’s upcoming order is likely to shape the future of police accountability and transparency in India. Functional CCTVs, combined with real-time monitoring, can:
- Deter custodial violence
- Protect the rights of detainees
- Provide crucial evidence in misconduct cases
- Build public trust in policing
Case Details
Case Title: In Re: Lack of Functional CCTVs in Police Stations
Case Number: SMW(C) No. 7/2025
The Supreme Court has now reserved its orders, and the legal community is keenly watching for what could be a landmark ruling on police reforms in India