The Centre has assured the Supreme Court that all issues to installing and monitoring CCTV cameras in police stations across India will be resolved within two weeksfollowing strong observations from the top court.

Supreme Court Flags Gaps in Implementation

The matter came up during a suo motu case on lack of functional CCTV cameras in police stations. The Supreme Court noted that while installation has progressed in many states, several gaps still remain in monitoring, functionality, and standardisation.

The bench also expressed concern over inconsistent implementation across stateswith some regions lagging behind despite earlier directives.

Centre Promises Full Resolution in 2 Weeks

Responding to the court, the Centre said:

• All pending issues will be resolved within two weeks


• Regular meetings will be held with officials and stakeholders


• A more uniform system across states will be ensured

The assurance was given by the Attorney General, who said the government is actively reviewing the situation and accelerating compliance.

Why CCTV Installation Is Critical

The Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized CCTV surveillance in police stations as a key safeguard against custodial violence and human rights violations.

Earlier directions mandate:

• Cameras with audio and video recording


• Coverage of key areas, including interrogation rooms


• Long-term storage of footage for accountability

The issue gained urgency after concerns over custodial deaths and lack of transparency in police procedures.

“Kerala Model” Highlighted as Benchmark

During the hearing, the court pointed to states like Kerala, where:

• Police stations have real-time CCTV monitoring systems


• Officers can access feeds through centralised dashboards

The court suggested that such models should be replicated nationwide for better oversight.

What Happens Next?

The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for later this month and asked for:

• A status report on implementation


• Updates on monitoring systems and compliance


• Evidence of progress made within the given timeline

The case remains under close judicial watch, signalling stricter enforcement of earlier directives.

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