Gujarat Assembly Discloses Sharp Rise in RTI Requests for Police CCTV Footage
The Gujarat government informed the state assembly on Monday about a significant increase in Right to Information (RTI) applications seeking CCTV footage from police stations in major cities. This revelation came in response to queries from AAP MLA Gopal Italia, highlighting growing public scrutiny of police operations.
Surge in RTI Applications for CCTV Footage
According to the government's data, Ahmedabad city witnessed 54 RTI applications filed in 2024 and 94 in 2025, all requesting CCTV footage from police stations. Similarly, in Surat city, there were 32 applications in 2024 and 52 in 2025 for the same purpose. This represents a notable uptick in public demand for transparency and accountability in law enforcement activities.
Limited Provision of Footage Due to Non-Functional Cameras
In response to the RTI applications, the government stated that footage was provided for 40 applications in Ahmedabad and 22 in Surat over the two-year period. However, a concerning issue emerged: footage could not be provided for 12 applications in Ahmedabad and 19 in Surat because the CCTV cameras were non-functional. This raises serious questions about the maintenance and operational status of surveillance systems in police stations.
Historical Context of CCTV Installation in Police Stations
The installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations across Gujarat was mandated by the Gujarat High Court in 2011. This order followed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging custodial torture at the city crime branch headquarters. The court's directive aimed to enhance oversight and prevent misconduct by ensuring continuous video monitoring.
Recurring Issues with CCTV Functionality
The issue of non-functional CCTV cameras resurfaced in 2022 when the High Court sought a report on their installation and functioning. This was prompted by a complaint from two women who alleged being beaten after a traffic violation dispute at Vastrapur police station in Ahmedabad. The court noted that the cameras at that station were not working, undermining the intended safeguards.
Similarly, in another incident, CCTV cameras at the city crime branch were non-functional when constable Chandrakant Makwana was killed by an accused, Manish Balai, at its headquarters in Gaekwad Haveli. These cases underscore persistent failures in maintaining operational surveillance equipment.
Legal Implications and Evidence Preservation
In various cases involving allegations of custodial torture or police misconduct, the High Court has received petitions seeking directions to preserve CCTV footage as crucial evidence. The footage is often vital for investigations and legal proceedings, making its availability and integrity essential for justice.
The government's disclosure in the assembly highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring that CCTV systems in police stations are functional and accessible. As RTI applications continue to rise, there is a pressing need for improved maintenance and transparency to uphold public trust and accountability in law enforcement.
