Jharkhand HC directs state to install CCTV cameras in all 334 police stations by Jan 5
Ranchi, Nov 18
The Jharkhand High Court on Tuesday issued a stern directive to the state government, ordering that all 334 police stations in the state be fully equipped with CCTV cameras by January 5, 2026.
The court observed that the absence of modern surveillance systems in police stations not only hampers law-and-order oversight but also undermines citizens’ fundamental rights.
Describing the delay as a “serious concern,†the bench said any further indifference would not be tolerated.
The directive came during the hearing of a public interest litigation before a division bench headed by Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan.
As instructed earlier, the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), and IT Department Secretary appeared in person.
The court ordered that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and the tendering process for the installation of CCTV cameras be completed by December 31.
Installation in all police stations, the court said, must begin immediately thereafter and be fully implemented by the January 5 deadline, failing which the matter would be treated as contempt of court.
The PIL was filed by Shoubhik Banerjee, a West Bengal resident, who alleged that he was illegally detained for two days at the Bank Mor police station in Dhanbad while he had travelled there to seek bail in a cheque bounce case.
He claimed the police pressured him to favour the opposing party. Banerjee told the court that CCTV footage should have documented the entire episode, but the police responded that only two days of backup were available, and crucial records were missing.
The bench expressed strong displeasure, calling the lack of proper CCTV coverage in a major city like Dhanbad “worrisome†and “unacceptable.â€
The state government assured the court that all procedures would be completed within the stipulated timeline. The matter will be taken up again on January 5 for compliance monitoring.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is a much-needed step for citizen safety. The Shoubhik Banerjee case shows how vulnerable ordinary people are. CCTV cameras will protect both citizens and honest police officers from false allegations.
Good decision by HC but why did it take a PIL and court intervention? The government should have done this proactively. This shows lack of political will for police reforms.
As someone who has worked in law enforcement abroad, I can say this is basic infrastructure. The 2-day backup limit mentioned in the case is ridiculous. Proper storage and monitoring systems are essential.
Hope they ensure the cameras are functional 24/7 and footage is properly stored. Many government installations have cameras but they're either not working or footage gets "lost" when needed. Proper audit mechanism needed! ðŸ”
While I support this move for transparency, I hope they also address privacy concerns. There should be clear guidelines on who can access this footage and for what purposes. Balance is important.
January 2026 is too far! The court should have given a shorter deadline. Police reforms are urgent and can't wait that long. Hope they complete it much earlier. â°
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