India

Police Stations Must Keep CCTV Cameras Operational Round the Clock: Court

Published: 1 October 2026 · 1 min read

What Happened

The Allahabad High Court has directed that CCTV cameras installed in police stations must remain operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The court emphasized that maintaining functional surveillance systems is essential to ensure transparency and protect the rights of individuals in police custody. The court further observed that if CCTV footage is unavailable and proper records are not maintained, it may presume that the detention was illegal.

Key Takeaways

The ruling strengthens accountability in police stations and reinforces safeguards against unlawful detention and custodial abuse. By placing the burden on authorities to preserve CCTV footage and documentation, the court has made surveillance evidence a crucial tool for protecting citizens' rights.

Sources

Barandbench, Lawtrend