The Jharkhand High Court on Thursday questioned the Director General of Police (DGP) regarding the failure to install CCTV cameras in all police stations across the state. The bench, comprising Chief Justice M S Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar, was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on the matter.
Court Warns of Contempt Proceedings
The court observed that the chief secretary and home secretary, who were earlier directed to ensure installation of cameras, must take the court's orders seriously. Any non-compliance could lead to contempt proceedings against the officers responsible.
The court ordered the DGP to file an affidavit detailing the status of camera installation in police stations. The next hearing is scheduled for June 27. Additionally, the court directed the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority to conduct physical verification of camera installations through the District Legal Services Authority in all districts.
Background of the PIL
The court initiated the PIL suo motu based on a letter from Bhanumati Mahto, wife of Tarun Mahato. Mahato, a candidate in the 2024 Assembly elections from Ichagarh constituency under the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, was allegedly picked up by Ichagarh police on November 19, 2025, and brutally tortured in custody. Bhanumati's letter to the Chief Justice detailed the illegal detention and torture, prompting the court to act.
Medical Officer's Role Questioned
The court also questioned the health department principal secretary regarding action taken against the medical officer who examined Tarun Mahato when he was produced in court. The officer had issued a certificate of ‘fit for custody’ despite Mahato suffering severe injuries from alleged third-degree treatment.
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