Keypoints:
- SC directed Centre to install CCTV cameras and recording equipments in the offices of investigating agencies.
- The offices of investigating agencies will include the CBI, the ED, National Investigation Agency (NIA), which conducts interrogation and have the power of arrest.
- The cameras need to be installed at all entry and exit points, main gate of the police station, all lock-ups, reception area, officials’ rooms, and station hall.
On Wednesday, the Supreme Court directed the Centre to install CCTV cameras and recording equipments at the offices of investigating agencies which will include the CBI, the ED, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) , which conducts interrogation and have the power of arrest.
In 2018, the apex court had ordered installation of CCTV cameras in police stations to check human rights abuses.
Further, it said that the CCTV systems must be equipped with night vision and have audio as well as video footage and it shall be mandatory for the Centre, states and UTs to purchase such systems which allow storage of data for maximum period possible, at least one year.
Justice RF Nariman headed a bench and said that the stated and Union Territories (UTs) should ensure that CCTV cameras are installed at each and every police station, at all entry and exit points, main gate, lock-ups, corridors, lobby and reception as also areas outside the lock-up rooms so that no part is left uncovered.
The bench also comprised Justices KM Joseph and Aniruddha Bose.
The bench said that,”In addition, the Union of India is also directed to install CCTV cameras and recording equipment in the offices of: Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, Enforcement Directorate, Narcotics Control Bureau, Department of Revenue Intelligence, Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), any other agency which carries out interrogations and has the power of arrest.”
“As most of these agencies carry out interrogation in their office(s), CCTVs shall be compulsorily installed in all offices where such interrogation and holding of accused takes place in the same manner as it would in a police station,” the bench added in its order.
This year, in September, the top court said that it had impleaded all the states and UTs in the matter to find out the exact position of CCTV cameras in each police station as well as constitution of Oversight Committees in accordance with the April 3, 2018 order.
It said district level oversight committee (DLOC) should comprise of — divisional commissioner or regional commissioner or revenue commissioner division of district, district magistrate and superintendent of police and mayor of a municipality within the district or head of ‘zilla panchayat’ in rural areas.
It said DLOC shall have the obligations including interact with station house officer (SHO) about its functioning and to review footage stored from CCTVs in various police stations to “check for any human rights violation that may have occurred but are not reported”.
“It shall further mention that CCTV footage is preserved for a certain minimum time period, which shall not be less than six months, and the victim has a right to have the same secured in the event of violation of his human rights,” it added.
