The Supreme Court has directed senior advocate Siddhartha Dave, acting as an amicus curiae, to convene a meeting on May 6 with the Centre, all states, and Union Territories to discuss the utilisation of funds for installing CCTV cameras in police stations across the country.
Background of the Case
The directive came during the hearing of a suo motu case regarding the installation of CCTVs in police stations. The apex court has been monitoring the progress of this initiative to ensure transparency and accountability in police functioning. The court has emphasised the need for proper utilisation of funds allocated for this purpose.
Meeting Details
Senior advocate Siddhartha Dave has been asked to hold the meeting on May 6, 2026, with representatives from the central government, all state governments, and Union Territories. The meeting aims to resolve any issues related to the utilisation of funds and to expedite the installation process.
Importance of CCTV Installation
The installation of CCTV cameras in police stations is seen as a crucial step towards preventing custodial violence and ensuring fair treatment of detainees. The Supreme Court has previously highlighted that CCTV footage can serve as vital evidence in cases of alleged misconduct.
The court has directed that the meeting should address the following key points:
- Assessment of funds already allocated and utilised
- Identification of police stations where installation is pending
- Standardisation of equipment and maintenance protocols
- Data storage and privacy concerns
The amicus curiae has been asked to submit a report after the meeting, outlining the progress and any hurdles that need to be addressed. The Supreme Court will take up the matter again after receiving the report.
This development underscores the judiciary's commitment to ensuring that the rights of citizens are protected and that law enforcement agencies operate with transparency. The meeting on May 6 is expected to provide a roadmap for the complete installation of CCTVs in all police stations across India.
