SC asks Union Home Secretary to appear over delay in CCTV Installation in Police Stations

In a sharp escalation over delays in police surveillance reforms, the Supreme Court has asked the Union Home Secretary to remain present before it on Tuesday so that appropriate assistance can be drawn for effective implementation of the scheme for the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations across the country, amid concerns over delays and compliance gaps.

The direction came during the hearing of a suo motu case examining the status of CCTV installations in police stations, where the Court flagged inconsistencies and slow progress despite earlier binding directions. The controversy deepened when the Bench questioned the Centre over reports of the removal of certain CCTV systems on security grounds, even as gaps in implementation persisted. While the Centre maintained that funding support was being extended and installations were underway in several States, concerns were raised about the lack of uniformity, absence of centralised monitoring systems, and inadequate high-level coordination. The situation was further aggravated when only a lower-ranking official attended a key implementation meeting, prompting the Court to question the seriousness of the exercise.

The Division Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta expressed clear dissatisfaction with the Centre’s approach, observing, “We are passing orders and you are sending an under secretary level officer to attend the meeting?” The Court emphasised that meaningful implementation requires direct engagement at the highest level, particularly in a matter concerning systemic safeguards against rights violations. Emphasising the need for coordinated execution, the Bench directed that the Union Home Secretary remain present before it to facilitate effective implementation.

Consequently, the matter was listed for further hearing with the expectation of concrete progress under direct supervision.

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