The Orissa High Court directed that all police stations and out-posts must be fully equipped with CCTV cameras by March 31. Additionally, the court emphasized the strict acceptance to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the arrest of armed forces personnel by the police. These measures aim to enhance accountability and ensure proper protocol in law enforcement practices.
Cuttack: In a recent suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL), the Orissa High Court mandated that all police stations and outposts in the state must be fully equipped with appropriately placed CCTV cameras by March 31, 2025.
The Court emphasized that state officials and police personnel are required to adopt strictly to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) established by the state government regarding the arrest and interaction with members of the Armed Forces in police facilities.
These directives arose from a troubling incident at the Bharatpur Police Station in Bhubaneswar, where an army officer and his fiancée visited to file a First Information Report (FIR) against individuals who had reportedly harassed them. Instead of assisting them, the police filed an FIR against the officer and his fiancée, alleging various cognizable offenses, including an attempted murder charge against police personnel, leading to the arrest of the officer’s fiancée.
The Division Bench, consisting of Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice Savitri Ratho, noted,
“There is manifest administrative failure on the part of the State in not installing CCTV facilities in the police station, more so, in the capital of the State, which could have easily revealed the truth.”
Senior Advocate Gautam Mishra represented the petitioner, while Advocate General Pitambar Acharya represented the state. The Court took suo motu cognizance based on a letter from the Lieutenant General, which detailed allegations of police misconduct and highlighted the absence of CCTV at the Bharatpur Police Station, a violation of Supreme Court directives.
The Bench also recalled a 1989 incident involving a Chief Judicial Magistrate in Nadiad, who was arrested at a police station and publicly humiliated, highlighting the long-standing issues with police conduct. The Advocate General previously informed the Court that out of 650 police stations in Odisha, 559 were equipped with CCTV cameras, prompting the current suo motu PIL.
The Bench acknowledged the state’s prompt action following the incident, stating,
“In our opinion, the State and its officials have acted promptly, and with this Court’s intervention, a satisfactory target has been achieved.”
It was noted that installation of CCTV cameras in 95 police outposts had begun in November 2024, with a completion deadline set for March 31, 2025, as directed by the state government to the Odisha Computer Application Center (OCAC).
The High Court officially closed the suo motu PIL with several key observations and directives. It mandated that all police stations and outposts in Odisha must be fully equipped with appropriately placed CCTV cameras by March 31, 2025. Additionally, their integration with the Central Monitoring System (CMS) via a Video Management System (VMS) must also be completed by that date.
The Court emphasized that state officials and police personnel must strictly acceptance to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) established by the state government regarding the arrest of and interaction with members of the Armed Forces in police stations. This SOP should be widely publicized, and effective measures must be taken to ensure that all police personnel are familiar with its provisions.
Furthermore, the SOP should be translated into Odia and circulated to all police stations and outposts across the state.
The State Government and Police Headquarters are tasked with ensuring that the commitments made to the Court in affidavits submitted by Mr. Gangwar are upheld. The Court clarified that none of its observations should affect ongoing police investigations by the Crime Branch or inquiries under the Commission of Inquiry Act.
The Bench also acknowledged the contributions of Senior Counsel Gautam Mishra, who appeared as Amicus Curiae at the Court’s request.
In concluding the matter, the Bench stated,
“Mr. Gangwar fulfilled his duties as an officer of this Court and proactively worked on the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations and outposts, as well as their integration into the CMS.”
The court’s orders are part of its efforts to maintain law and order and build trust between the police and the public. Installing CCTV cameras in police stations and out-posts will help monitor police actions and address complaints of wrongdoing more effectively. Following the SOPs for arrests will ensure proper legal procedures are followed, especially in cases involving armed forces personnel.
The Orissa High Court’s active steps show its focus on better enforcement and accountability. These measures aim to increase public trust in the justice system while making sure police work is fair, transparent, and lawful.
The petitioner represented by Senior Advocate Gautam Mishra, serving as Amicus Curiae, and Advocate A. Dash. On the respondents’ side, the case was argued by Advocate General Pitambar Acharya and Additional Government Advocate Saswat Das.
Case Title
Registrar Judicial, Orissa High Court, Cuttack v. The State of Odisha & Ors. (Case No. SUO MOTU W.P.(C) No. 23735 of 2024)