Critic Takeaways of (Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2020))
- Mandatory CCTV installation in all police stations across States and Union Territories.
- Requirement for States and Union Territories to submit compliance reports within six weeks.
- Installation of night vision and audio-video recording enabled CCTV cameras in central investigative agencies.
- Enhanced transparency and accountability in police and investigative agency operations.
- Regular monitoring and reporting based on CCTV footage findings to ensure adherence to guidelines.
Facts of the case
In this case, the Supreme Court of India, after listening to the expert advisor, examined the instructions provided in the case of Shri Dilip K. Basu vs State of West Bengal & Ors., (2015). The court concluded that it is necessary to install CCTV cameras and regularly release a report based on its findings.
Judgement of the case
The court in this case has ordered all the States and Union Territories to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in their respective police stations and submit a sworn statement on this within six weeks from the day the ruling was given.
The Supreme Court has ordered the Central government to install CCTV cameras with night vision capabilities and audio and video recording features at the offices of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Enforcement Directorate (ED), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), and other similar central agencies where interrogations occur.
