The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the lack of CCTV cameras in police stations in Jharkhand, with the Court being told that the State had not installed “not one CCTV camera” since 2020.
The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing the suo motu proceedings concerning the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations across States was examining compliance with its earlier directions. Senior Advocate Siddhartha Dave, appearing in the matter, told the Bench that Jharkhand had apparently not provided the specific details sought by the Court on August 3.
When the issue of Jharkhand’s compliance came up, Dave submitted: “Not one CCTV camera, not one, since 2020, My Lord.” The Bench directed that the position regarding Jharkhand be specifically indicated. Earlier in the hearing, Dave referred to an affidavit filed by the Union Government on August 31, proposing a new police modernisation scheme.
He submitted that the existing police modernisation scheme in Assam had been extended until March 31, 2027. A new umbrella scheme, proposed as the Police Modernization Mission (PMM), is also under consideration. According to the submission, the proposed PMM seeks to modernise and future-proof police and internal security infrastructure through technology, targeted investments and reforms, with a proposed outlay of ₹24,000 crore over five years.
The amicus curiae, however, submitted that the existing scheme was nearing its end and urged the Court to ensure that funds already available did not lapse. He also stressed the need for continuity in funding for CCTV infrastructure.
