The Supreme Court heard a suo motu case on non-working CCTV cameras in police stations and noted non-participation by some authorities in a key meeting. The Court has now fixed March 14 for the next meeting and listed the matter for hearing on March 23, 2026.
The Supreme Court of India on Thursday continued hearing a suo motu case regarding the non-functional CCTV cameras in police stations across the country. The matter is being heard as a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) by a Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta.
The case was taken up by the Court on its own motion after concerns were raised that several CCTV cameras installed in police stations are either not working properly or are not being maintained. CCTV cameras in police stations are considered an important safeguard to ensure transparency, prevent custodial violence, and protect the rights of citizens.
During the hearing, the Court was informed that as per the earlier direction dated 29 January 2026, a meeting was scheduled and accordingly held on 21 February 2026 to discuss the issue and file a status report.
However, senior counsel Mr. Dave submitted before the Court that the Union of India, the Government of NCT of Delhi, and some States did not attend the meeting. Due to their absence, the report could not be finalised and submitted before the Court.
On this, counsel appearing for the Union of India expressed regret and apologised for the non-participation. He informed the Bench that the absence happened because of a communication gap and assured the Court that the Union Government would fully cooperate in the next meeting.
Mr. Dave then suggested that the next meeting may be conducted on 14 March 2026 so that all stakeholders can participate and the required report can be prepared properly.
After hearing the submissions, the Bench directed that the next meeting be held on 14 March 2026 in terms of the earlier order passed by the Court. The matter has now been listed for further hearing on 23 March 2026.
The Supreme Court has been consistently monitoring compliance regarding CCTV installation and functioning in police stations across India. Earlier judgments have highlighted that proper functioning of CCTV cameras is essential to ensure accountability in law enforcement and to safeguard fundamental rights under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
With this ongoing monitoring, the top court aims to ensure that directions issued in previous rulings are strictly implemented by the Union and State authorities. The next hearing on 23 March 2026 is expected to review the outcome of the proposed meeting and assess the progress made in resolving the issue of non-functional CCTV cameras in police stations.
Case Title:
IN RE LACK OF FUNCTIONAL CCTVS IN POLICE STATIONS
(SMW(C) No. 7/2025),
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