The Allahabad High Court has directed that CCTV cameras at all police stations must remain functional round-the-clock, with documented steps for restoration in case of failure, to ensure transparency and prevent custodial misconduct.
Allahabad HC mandates continuous CCTV operation in police stations
In a significant order aimed at safeguarding citizens' rights during police custody, the Allahabad High Court has ruled that CCTV cameras installed at all police stations in Uttar Pradesh must remain fully functional 24x7. The directive, issued by a Division Bench of Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Divesh Chandra Samant, arises from a petition highlighting custodial detention of four individuals at Gauri Bazar police station.
The Court emphasized that uninterrupted video surveillance is critical to prevent illegal detentions, torture, and other custodial abuses. It mandated that any downtime in camera operations must be promptly recorded, along with steps taken to restore functionality. The order reinforces institutional accountability and aims to deter potential misuse of power by law enforcement personnel operating in unmonitored environments.
This judgment strengthens procedural safeguards under Article 21 of the Constitution and aligns with previous Supreme Court directives on police reforms. Law enforcement agencies are now required to maintain logs and submit periodic compliance reports. The ruling sets a precedent for judicial oversight of police infrastructure and reinforces the role of technology in ensuring due process.
Citations
- Mahendra Gaur and 3 Others v State of UP and 2 Others
