The Supreme Court of India has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the Centre and state governments for their failure to comply with orders regarding the installation of functional CCTV cameras in police stations across the country. The court has set a strict deadline for submitting compliance reports, warning of serious consequences for continued non-compliance.
Court's Stern Warning to Defaulting States
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta noted with concern that only 11 states had filed their compliance affidavits as required by previous court orders. The bench explicitly pointed out that numerous states and Union Territories, including the Union of India, had failed to submit their compliance reports despite clear directives.
During the hearing on Tuesday, November 26, 2025, the court agreed to a request from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, granting a three-week extension to file the necessary affidavits. The matter has been scheduled for the next hearing on December 16, 2025, when the court will review the compliance status.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The Supreme Court issued a clear warning that if affidavits are not filed by the December 16 deadline, the Principal Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs from the concerned states and Union Territories, along with directors of respective agencies, will be required to appear personally before the court. These officials would need to explain the reasons for non-compliance with both previous orders and the current directive.
Justice Nath conveyed the court's strong displeasure with the Centre's failure to respond, stating that "the Union is taking the Court very lightly." This remark underscores the seriousness with which the court views this matter of public importance and accountability.
Madhya Pradesh Praised as Model State
During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, serving as amicus curiae in the case, confirmed that only 11 states had submitted their compliance affidavits. The court particularly commended Madhya Pradesh for its exemplary work in installing CCTV cameras in police stations.
Justice Mehta noted that Madhya Pradesh's work in this area is "remarkable," while Dave described the state as "the model State" for other states to emulate. This recognition highlights the varying levels of implementation across different states and establishes a benchmark for compliance.
The court also expressed surprise at Kerala's failure to respond, with Justice Mehta questioning why such an advanced state was "shying away" from compliance. This observation indicates that even states typically known for good governance have been lagging in this crucial implementation.
Beyond Paper Compliance
Justice Mehta emphasized that the court's objective extends beyond mere paper compliance. The bench clarified that it seeks genuine implementation of the directive to install working CCTV systems in police stations, not just statements of compliance in affidavits.
This monitoring initiative by the Supreme Court forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability within law enforcement agencies. The installation of functional CCTV cameras in police stations is considered vital for protecting citizens' rights and ensuring proper conduct during police operations and interrogations.
The court's firm stance and the established deadline of December 16, 2025, create significant pressure on defaulting states and the Centre to accelerate implementation of this crucial security and accountability measure.
