SunstarTV Bureau: The Supreme Court directed the Centre to install CCTV cameras and recording equipment at the offices of investigating agencies, to check human rights abuses on Wednesday.
The Agencies include- the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate and National Investigation Agency (NIA),Enforcement Directorate, Narcotics Control Bureau, Department of Revenue Intelligence, Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), any other agency which carries out interrogations and has the power of arrest.
A bench headed by Justice R.F. Nariman and comprising Justices K.M. Joseph and Aniruddha Bose, said that states and Union Territories (UTs) should ensure that CCTV cameras are 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 is left uncovered.
“It said further that the 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 maximum period possible, at least one year.”
“In addition, the Union of India is also directed to install CCTV cameras and recording equipment in the offices of: Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, Enforcement Directorate, Narcotics Control Bureau, Department of Revenue Intelligence, Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO), any other agency which carries out interrogations and has the power of arrest,” said the bench.
The apex court had in 2018 ordered installation of CCTV cameras in police stations to check human rights abuses.
