"Install CCTV Cameras In All Police Stations Including Interrogation Rooms By May 10": HC Directs Punjab, Haryana & UT Chandigarh

The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday directed the States of Punjab, Haryana, and UT Chandigarh to install CCTV cameras in all police stations including the interrogation rooms with 18 months storage by May 10, 2022.

The Bench of Justice Amol Rattan Singh has issued this order in view of the directions issued by the Supreme Court's order in Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh and others (2021) 1 SCC 184. In this case, the Supreme Court had directed the State and Union Territory Governments to ensure that CCTV cameras are installed in each and every Police Station functioning under them.

Last month, the High Court had made it clear that as per the directions of the Supreme Court, no part of the police stations should be left uncovered by CCTV surveillance and this CCTV Coverage would necessarily include the interrogation rooms.

Further, on February 9, 20221, the Punjab and Haryana States had submitted a timeline in the Punjab and Haryana High Court to implement the order of the Supreme Court.

Thereafter, on February 21, UT Chandigarh sought a 6 months time to implement the Order of the Supreme Court, however, the Court did not find any ground to grant that much time to UT Chandigarh.

The Court added that the States of Punjab and Haryana have been directed to complete the work in terms of the directions of the Supreme Court by 10.05.2022, and therefore, the UT would also do the same by that date.

Failing which, the Court clarified that appropriate action, if need be, under the provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, may need to be taken against all concerned in both the States of Punjab and Haryana and the UT, Chandigarh.

With this, the Court adjourned the matter to 1April 18, 2022 and directed that the affidavits be filed by the Additional Chief Secretary/ Principal Secretary/ Secretary Home of each State/ Union Territory, with regard to the progress made at that stage.

The High Court has also asked DGPs of Punjab, Haryana and U.T. Chandigarh to file an affidavit whether instructions have been issued so far or not with regard to what had been directed by this Court in its order dated 07.01.2022, to the effect that all reports to be submitted under Section 173 Cr.P.C would specifically state by giving details, of how the provisions of Section 41B, 41C, 41D, 54, 55, 55A of Cr.P.C have been complied with, in each investigation for all the accused.

The Court issued these directions on a plea filed by Gangster Kaushal alleging that he is being tortured by the police in their custody. Kaushal's name recently cropped up in the murder of Youth Akali Leader Vicky Middhukhera in Mohali and the Rohini court firing incident.

Appearances: Mr. Amandeep Singh Jawanda, Advocate for the petitioner (in CRWP No.5521 of 2021). Mr. Sourabh Goel, Advocate for the petitioner (in CRWP No.6437 of 2021). Mr. Bipin Ghai, Senior Advocate with Mr. Prabhdeep Singh Bindra, Advocate, and Mr. Rishabh Singla, Advocate for the petitioner (in CRM-M No.43672 of 2021). Mr. Deepak Sabherwal, Addl. A.G., Haryana and Mr. Neeraj Poswal, AAG, Haryana. Mr. P.S. Bajwa, Addl. A.G., Punjab and Mr. Manreet Singh Nagra, A.A.G., Punjab. Mr. Rajeev Anand, Addl. PP, UT, Chandigarh.

Case title - Kamla Devi v. State of Punjab and others along with connected pleas

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