The Supreme Court has sharply criticized the Central Government for its prolonged failure to comply with the court’s 2020 directive mandating the installation of fully functional CCTV cameras in the offices of federal investigative agencies, including the CBI and the ED. Expressing displeasure, the bench questioned whether the Union government was “taking it very lightly,” especially considering the order’s central aim of preventing custodial torture and ensuring transparency during interrogations.
Court’s 2020 Order and Its Significance
In a landmark ruling in 2020, the Supreme Court ordered the installation of CCTV systems equipped with night-vision and audio-video recording capabilities across the offices of key investigative bodies such as the CBI, ED, NIA and similar agencies. The court directed that these cameras must cover all spaces where interrogations occur and that recordings should be preserved for a minimum of 18 months.
The directive was rooted in the need to curb custodial violence, protect constitutional rights, and enhance accountability within the country’s law-enforcement framework. The judgment underscored that surveillance systems are an essential safeguard ensuring that interrogations remain lawful and free from coercive methods.
Non-Compliance and Growing Judicial Frustration
Five years after the order, the Supreme Court noted with concern that several agencies have yet to fully implement the surveillance mandate. Reports submitted to the bench indicated gaps in installation, maintenance, and operational functionality of CCTV systems in multiple central agencies.
The court declared the continued non-compliance “unacceptable,” emphasizing that such delays weaken protections against custodial abuses. It also warned that persistent disregard of its orders could compel the bench to initiate action against top officials, including the Union Home Secretary, to ensure adherence.
Proposal for Automated Monitoring Systems
In a significant move, the bench suggested creating automated monitoring systems that would oversee all CCTV feeds from police stations and agency offices. The proposed system would function without human intervention and immediately flag disruptions such as camera shutdowns or feed interruptions.
The court further recommended involving premier technical institutions, such as IITs, to design software capable of real-time monitoring and detection of non-functional equipment. This approach aims to eliminate tampering and ensure uninterrupted surveillance in interrogation rooms.
Why Functional CCTV Surveillance is Critical
To reinforce the broader human-rights implications, the court highlighted how functional CCTV coverage is essential for:
- Preventing custodial torture
- Strengthening transparency in investigations
- Ensuring adherence to legal protocols during questioning
- Providing reliable evidence in case of complaints
The judiciary stressed that surveillance is not a mere administrative formality but a crucial component of the criminal-justice system.
