SC says CBI, NCB, ED and NIA must have CCTVs, including lock-up rooms

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to install CCTV cameras and recording equipment at the offices of probe agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Enforcement Directorate and National Investigation Agency.

The Supreme Court order came during a hearing on a Special Leave Petition filed by one Paramvir Singh Saini, which raised issues regarding audio-video recordings of statements and the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations.

The Supreme Court order came during a hearing on a Special Leave Petition filed by one Paramvir Singh Saini, which raised issues regarding audio-video recordings of statements and the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations.

The Apex court said that Closed Circuit TV cameras must be installed at all entry and exit points, main gates, inside and outside lock-ups, corridors, lobby and reception areas.

The Apex court said that Closed Circuit TV cameras must be installed at all entry and exit points, main gates, inside and outside lock-ups, corridors, lobby and reception areas.

The bench of Justices K M Joseph and Aniruddha Bose also noted 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 system which allows storage of data for maximum period possible, and in any case not below one year.

The bench of Justices K M Joseph and Aniruddha Bose also noted 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 system which allows storage of data for maximum period possible, and in any case not below one year.

The bench said that as most of the probe agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau, Department of Revenue Intelligence and Serious Fraud Investigation Office carry out interrogation in their offices, CCTVs be “compulsorily installed” in all offices where such questioning takes place and accused are kept. 

The bench said that as most of the probe agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau, Department of Revenue Intelligence and Serious Fraud Investigation Office carry out interrogation in their offices, CCTVs be “compulsorily installed” in all offices where such questioning takes place and accused are kept.