Allahabad High Court Orders Surprise Police Station Inspections, Flags Faulty CCTVs Across Uttar Pradesh
CJMs and Judicial Magistrates directed to conduct random checks
Court stresses compliance with Supreme Court’s CCTV monitoring guidelines
By Our Legal Correspondent
New Delhi: March 03, 2026:
The Allahabad High Court has taken serious note of the widespread malfunctioning of CCTV cameras in police stations across Uttar Pradesh, calling it a “routine feature” that undermines accountability and transparency in law enforcement. In a landmark order, the court directed Chief Judicial Magistrates (CJMs) and Judicial Magistrates across the state to conduct random, surprise inspections of police stations after court hours to ensure compliance with Supreme Court guidelines.
This directive comes in the backdrop of repeated complaints about faulty or non-functional CCTV systems, which are crucial for monitoring police conduct and safeguarding citizens’ rights.
Case Background
- The order was passed during a bail petition involving allegations of illegal detention.
- The High Court noted that despite clear directions from the Supreme Court in Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2020), many police stations in Uttar Pradesh had failed to maintain functional CCTV systems.
- The court criticized the state’s law enforcement infrastructure, observing that CCTV malfunctioning has become routine.
- It directed CJMs and Judicial Magistrates to treat surprise inspections as part of their official duty.
Court’s Observations
- Routine Failure: Faulty CCTV cameras are no longer isolated incidents but a systemic issue.
- Judicial Oversight: Surprise inspections by CJMs and Magistrates will act as a deterrent against misconduct.
- Accountability: Police stations must preserve CCTV footage properly to ensure transparency in investigations.
- Contempt Proceedings: In related cases, the court has initiated contempt against police officers for disobeying CJM orders, even directing compensation for illegal detention.
Relevant Laws and Rules
1. Supreme Court Guidelines (Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh, 2020)
- Mandated installation of functional CCTV cameras in all police stations.
- Required preservation of footage for accountability in custodial cases.
2. Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973
- Provides courts with supervisory powers to ensure fair investigation and prevent abuse of authority.
3. Indian Evidence Act, 1872
- CCTV footage is admissible as electronic evidence under Section 65B.
4. Constitutional Principles
- Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty): Protects citizens against illegal detention and custodial abuse.
- Article 14 (Equality before Law): Ensures accountability of law enforcement agencies.
Broader Implications
- For Judiciary: Strengthens judicial oversight of police stations, ensuring compliance with Supreme Court directives.
- For Police: Reinforces accountability, making officers answerable for illegal detentions or misconduct.
- For Citizens: Provides assurance that their rights are protected through judicial monitoring.
- For Policy Makers: Highlights urgent need to upgrade law enforcement infrastructure and ensure proper maintenance of CCTV systems.
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Conclusion
The Allahabad High Court’s directive mandating surprise inspections of police stations is a significant step toward strengthening accountability in Uttar Pradesh’s law enforcement system. By treating faulty CCTV cameras as a systemic issue and empowering CJMs and Magistrates to conduct random checks, the court has reinforced the principle that justice and transparency cannot be compromised.
This ruling is expected to improve compliance with Supreme Court guidelines, reduce instances of illegal detention, and restore public trust in policing.
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