SC Directs Centre To Install CCTV Cameras In CBI, ED, NIA Offices

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Centre to install CCTV cameras at the offices of Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI), the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and National Investigation Agency (NIA).

The top court said that as most of the investigating agencies including Narcotics Control Bureau, Department of Revenue Intelligence and Serious Fraud Investigation Office, conduct interrogations at their offices and have the power of arrest, it is compulsory for such offices to have CCTVs and recording equipment, according to a PTI report.

A bench headed by Justice RF Nariman said the states and the Union Territories (UTs) should get CCTVs installed at all the police stations, primarily at the entry and exit points, main gate, lock-ups, corridors, lobby and reception areas.

“In addition, the Union of India is also directed to install CCTV cameras and recording equipment in the offices of Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, Enforcement Directorate, Narcotics Control Bureau, Department of Revenue Intelligence, Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) and any other agency which carries out interrogations and has the power of arrest,” said the bench, also comprising  Justices KM Joseph and Aniruddha Bose.

“As most of these agencies carry out interrogation in their office(s), CCTVs shall be compulsorily installed in all offices where such interrogation and holding of accused take place in the same manner as it would in a police station,” added the bench in its order.

The bench said it shall be mandatory for the Centre, states and UTs to purchase such CCTVs which allow data storage for maximum period that is not less than one year.

In July this year, the apex court, while hearing a 2017 custodial torture case, had ordered installation of CCTV cameras in all the police stations to check human rights abuses.