P&H HC directs Punjab, Haryana & UT Chandigarh to install CCTV cameras in all Police Stations by May 10, 2022

Read Order: Kamla Devi v. State of Punjab and Others 

Monika Rahar

Chandigarh, February 25, 2022: In terms of the Supreme Court directions, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the States of Punjab and Haryana and also the UT of Chandigarh to install CCTV cameras in all Police Stations by May 10, 2022, failing which, appropriate action might be taken under the provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 against the concerned persons. 

The Bench of Justice Amol Rattan Singh was dealing with the petitions which were pending on the issue of installation of CCTV cameras with adequate storage of 18 months, as directed by the Supreme Court in Paramvir Singh Saini Vs. Baljit Singh and Others, in all Police Stations and Police Posts and CIA premises etc., in the States of Punjab, Haryana and the UT, Chandigarh.

On an earlier occasion, the Court made it clear that as per the Top Court’s directions in Paramvir Singh Saini’s Case (Supra), CCTV cameras should be installed in each and every portion of a Police Station complex so no part of it is left uncovered by CCTV surveillance thus ensuring that no human rights violation is done while interrogation and otherwise. 

Further, the Court observed that obviously, due to the ongoing pandemic, the turn of the case was not coming up there and consequently it was repeated by the Court that orders passed by the Supreme Court are bound to be enforced by all Courts throughout the country even in terms of Article 141 of the Constitution of India.

The Court adjourned the matter to April 2022 and the affidavits of the Additional Chief Secretary/ Principal Secretary/ Secretary Home of each State/ Union Territory, with regard to the progress made at that stage, was also directed to be filed. 

Also, the DGPs of Punjab, Haryana and UT, Chandigarh were directed to file affidavits as to whether instructions were issued so far or not with regard to what was directed by the Court in its order dated January 7, 2022, to the effect that all reports to be submitted under Section 173 Cr. P.C would specifically state details as to how the provisions of Section 41B, 41C, 41D, 54, 55, 55A of Cr. P.C were complied with, in each investigation.