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Karnataka state to own CCTV footage, this is why people need to be scared!

  • CCTV camera footages installed at home, open places, public places or any institute will be owned by the State
  • Police can ask for the footage at any time
  • Failing to provide it will lead to a fine
  • But how safe is the proof in the hands of police is the question!
Karnataka state to own CCTV footage this is why people need to be scared

The Karnataka government has passed the Karnataka Public Safety (Action) Bill in the Legislative Assembly. Accordingly now, footage of CCTV cameras installed in any organisation, institution, commercial establishment, temple, mosque, prayer halls, private houses, public places including roads and open places will be owned by the state.

The Bill was proposed by Higher Studies Minister Basavaraja Rayareddy on behalf of the Home Minister. The Bill deals with theft, public safety, prevention of crime and its control. The police can ask for the footage from any CCTV camera installed even at home. The Act even can take care of issues including terrorism.

If the organisation or individual fails to provide the footage, action can be taken against them through slapping a fine.

This Act might look like it is planned to make people feel safer. But in reality, people need to be concerned about it as it might prove adverse to them.

At a time, even with proof the common people are struggling to prove any crime against influential people, if the important proof goes into the hands of police, never to return to people, there are chances that it might be tampered with.

With many instances of police personnel included in tampering the proof, or pressurised to do so by the political circles or influential people in the society, there is a concern that the proof might be misused. This might make the chance of getting justice for the common people a distant dream.

But in terms of activities of terrorism and rowdism, this Act might help nab the culprits before any serious damage is made.

Like every rule has an exception, the police are seen collecting hafta and letting petty businesses continue illegally. In the same way, if the police let go the proof or the accused in return for money, then it is dangerous, and the Act cannot be implemented properly.

Thus measures should be taken to implement the Act properly.

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