Supreme Court expresses concern over non-functional CCTVs at police stations, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Supreme Court is considering establishing automated control rooms to monitor CCTV cameras in police stations.
• The proposed system aims to prevent deliberate switching off or erasing of CCTV recordings by police.
• The court took suo motu cognisance of a report indicating 11 custodial deaths in the past eight months.
• In 2020, the Supreme Court directed the installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations to prevent custodial torture.

Detailed Insights:

• The automated control rooms would provide real-time feeds, triggering alerts upon camera malfunction without human intervention.
• The court suggested involving an IIT to develop AI-based software for monitoring CCTV feeds, minimizing human involvement.
• Non-operational CCTV cameras should be immediately reported to the legal services authority or designated oversight body.
• Despite the 2020 directive, compliance remains a concern, with the Centre failing to fully implement the court's orders across investigative agencies.
• Independent agency inspections of police stations are deemed necessary to ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of CCTV systems.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Suo Motu Cognisance: The power of a court to take up a matter on its own, without waiting for a formal complaint.
• Amicus Curiae: A "friend of the court," an impartial advisor appointed by the court to provide expertise on a matter.
• Custodial Torture: Torture or ill-treatment of a person while they are in police custody or detention.