Today, the Supreme Court, while hearing the suo motu public interest litigation over lack of functional CCTVs in police stations, suggested for the establishment of Control Rooms, without any human intervention, to be monitored by Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta heard the Suo Motu petition and reserved the order to be passed on September 26.

The Counsel, appearing behalf on intervenors, tried to make submissions, however, Justice Mehta said that such submissions on merits cannot be entertained as the Court has not allowed the intervention application.

Thereupon, the Advocate assisting the Court, apprised the Court with the States that have complied with order of the Apex Court to install CCTV cameras and recording equipments at the offices of investigation agencies.

However, Justice Mehta remarked that the issue was of the oversight and asked "Today there is a compliance affidavit, tomorrow police officers switch off the cameras, what happens then?"

In December 2020, the Apex Court had directed the Centre to install CCTV cameras and recording equipment at the offices of investigating agencies, including the CBI, the ED and the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

With regard to the said order, the Bench said that, they were thinking of a Control Room, in which there would be no human intervention, so that in case any camera goes off, it is immediately noted.

"That is the way this thing can be tackled. There is no other way. Initially, there has to be inspection of every police station...and, we will think of involving some IIT, to provide us solution so that every CCTV is monitored at a particular place and even the monitoring should not be human, all by AI", suggested Justice Mehta.

Further, the Court was informed that the Union of India, CBI, ED has not complied with the said order. The Apex Court refused to hear any interventions.

Later, the Bench reserved the order to be passed on September 26 in the Suo Motu Petition.

Background

On September 04, 2025, the Supreme Court directed registration of a suo motu public interest litigation over lack of functional CCTVs in police stations after taking cognisance of a media report. The Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta referred to the media report and said, "...we are directing for registration of a suo motu public interest litigation titled 'lack of functional CCTVs in police stations' as it has been reported that there are about 11 deaths in the last seven-eight months of this year in police custody".

The Apex Court had in 2018 ordered installation of CCTV cameras in police stations to check human rights abuses.

In December 2020, the Apex Court had directed the Centre to install CCTV cameras and recording equipment at the offices of investigating agencies, including the CBI, the ED and the National Investigation Agency (NIA). It had said that states and Union Territories should ensure that CCTV cameras were 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 was left uncovered.

The Apex Court had further said that 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 at least one year.

Cause Title: In Re Lack Of Functional CCTVs In Police Stations (SMW(C) No. 7/2025 PIL-W)

Justice Vikram NathJustice Sandeep Mehta

Pridhi Chopra

    Pridhi Chopra was earlier practicing as an Advocate in Delhi. She pursued B.A. (H) English from Gargi College, University of Delhi, and subsequently pursued a degree in Law.