The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Union Home Secretary to appear in person at the next hearing regarding the lack of functional CCTV cameras in police stations across India, seeking assistance in effectively monitoring CCTV installations nationwide. The court also questioned why other states haven’t adopted the “Kerala Model” of live CCTV monitoring.
Supreme Court Seeks Home Secretary’s Presence
A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta was hearing the matter. Senior Advocate Sidharth Dave, acting as amicus curiae, informed the court that while most states have installed CCTV cameras, establishing dashboard systems for monitoring remains a significant challenge. He noted that Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Kerala have made “outstandingly good” progress, with Kerala’s system allowing police officers to monitor stations in real-time via their phones.
Dave highlighted deficiencies in other states, specifically mentioning that “no work has been done to install CCTVs” in Jharkhand.
Security Concerns and Financial Implications
Justice Mehta raised concerns about a potential Pak-linked spy network utilizing CCTV cameras to collect data in Indian states, referencing government instructions to remove cameras installed by neighboring countries. He questioned the financial feasibility of replacing surveillance infrastructure, stating, “I just came across a news item, where the government is thinking of pulling down all those cameras, so where will the states get the budget to put these cameras from?” He further emphasized the logistical challenges of replacing cameras at various strategic locations.
Additional Solicitor General Rajkumar Bhaskar Thakare informed the court that no specific instructions regarding camera replacement had been issued by the Union Government. Dave added that Uttar Pradesh is currently working to establish dashboard systems, following the lead of Kerala, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Call for Uniformity and Compliance
Justice Nath questioned the lack of uniform adoption of best practices, asking, “If you say that Kerala has the best set-up, why can’t other states follow it?” He stressed the need for coordinated implementation, urging states to follow the Kerala model and suggesting discussions facilitated by the Union government.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of compliance, the bench directed the personal presence of the Union Home Secretary at the next hearing, stating, “You bring your Home Secretary tomorrow….. probably he is not listening to you!”
The court issued the following direction: “After hearing Mr Dave, Ld Amicus, Mr Thakare for Union, and other counsels, let this matter come up tomorrow again, the Home Secretary, Union of India, to remain present before this court so that appropriate assistance can be drawn from him in the implementation of the scheme that is being monitored by this court.”
The case originated from a suo motu proceeding initiated on September 4, 2025, following a report by Dainik Bhaskar detailing 11 deaths in police custody in the preceding seven to eight months. The court had previously mandated CCTV installation in all police stations in December 2020, as outlined in Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh, but compliance has been inconsistent. The court is also considering independent monitoring of CCTV cameras to prevent officials from switching them off.
Case Details: (1) IN RE LACK OF FUNCTIONAL CCTVS IN POLICE STATIONS Versus, SMW(C) No. 7/2025 (2) PARAMVIR SINGH SAINI Versus BALJIT SINGH, SLP (Crl) No.3543/2020 (and connected cases)
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