Audio Video Recording Of Witness Statements & Installation Of CCTV In Police Stations: SC Directs Centre To File Affidavit Before 7th September [Read Order]

The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to file its affidavit before 7th September 2020 on the issues of implementation of audio-video recording of witness statements recorded by a Police officer under Section 161 CrPC and installation of CCTV in Police Stations

While considering an SLP filed by one Paramvir Singh Saini last month, the bench headed by Justice RF Nariman, had said that it is important to "follow up" on the directions issued in Shafhi Mohammad v. State of Himachal Pradesh' (2018) 5 SCC 311, with respect to introduction of "videography in investigation".

"We request Shri K. K. Venugopal, learned Attorney General of India, not only to appear on behalf of the Union of India but also to assist us in this case" said the bench yesterday while directing the Centre to file affidavit in this issue.

The case is posted on 16th September, 2020.

In Shafhi Mohammad, the court had ordered that the first phase of implementation of crime scene videography must be introduced by 15th July, 2018, at least at some places as per viability and priority determined by the COB. The Court had also directed that with a view to check human rights abuse, CCTV cameras be installed in all police stations as well as in prisons. It had directed the Home Ministry to constitute a Central Oversight Body that may issue appropriate directions so as to ensure that use of videography becomes a reality in a phased manner.

In the said case, the Court had accepted a Centrally Driven Plan of Action prepared by the Committee of the MHA, for implementation of the directions in a phased manner with milestone-based review mechanism as follows:

Phase-I: Three Months: Concept, Circulation and Preparation

Phase-II: Six Months: Pilot Project Implementation

Phase-III: Three Months: Pilot Implementation Review

Phase-IV: One Year: Coverage extension from Pilot Implementation

Phase-V: One Year: Coverage extension to remaining Cities and Districts

Observing that "follow up to these directions is important," the Bench, during last hearing, had issued notice to the Union of India- Ministry of Home Affairs and had appointed Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave as Amicus Curiae.

Case Details:
Case Title: Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh  .
Case No.: SLP (Crl) DN 13346/2020
Coram: Justices RF Nariman, Navin Sinha  
Appearance: AOR Bankey Bihari and Advocate Dhawaljeet Dutta (for Petitioner)

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