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CISF to Provide Full CCTV Footage to Ranya Rao as Resolves Misunderstanding
The on Wednesday took note of the Central Industrial Security Force's (CISF) assurance that it would furnish the complete airport CCTV footage sought by Kannada actress Ranya Rao in connection with her gold smuggling case. , appearing for the CISF, clarified that a misunderstanding regarding the extent of footage to be supplied had led to an initial incomplete handover. The assurance came during the hearing of Ranya Rao's plea seeking uninterrupted CCTV footage of her movement at Kempegowda International Airport between 4:30 PM on , and 6:00 AM on .
Justice Suraj Govindaraj, presiding over the matter, recorded the ASG's submission that the preserved video recording actually extends from 4:30 PM on March 3 to 11:00 AM on . The court noted, "…ASG submits that there has been a misunderstanding between orders in as much as the recorded video is from 4.30 pm on 03.03.2025 to 11 am on 04.03.2025 and a direction has been issued to furnish the video only until 6 am which was not furnished. The ASG has submitted that if the petitioner were to approach the first respondent, the video recording up to 11 am will be furnished….” This clarification came after the petitioner's counsel expressed dissatisfaction with the earlier partial supply of footage.
Background of the Case
Ranya Rao, a well-known Kannada actor, was arrested in March 2025 in connection with an alleged gold smuggling operation at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. She has consistently maintained that she was moving through the airport lawfully and sought the CCTV footage to support her defense. In a prior application, the High Court on directed the authorities to provide the footage. Subsequently, on , the court ordered that the petitioner or her representative could appear before the CISF on to collect a copy of the footage.
However, when the petitioner's representative appeared before the CISF Commandant, the footage provided was limited to the period from 4:30 PM to 7 PM on , contrary to the full period sought—from 4:30 PM on March 3 to 6:00 AM on March 4. The petitioner's counsel said, “…A direction was passed by court on . To appear before CISF on and collect the footage. We appeared before CISF Commandment and the CCTV footage given to us was between between 4.30 pm to 7 pm. On the contrary, what we had requested was CCTV footage from 03.03.2025 4.30 PM till 6 AM on 4th March.”
The Court’s Observations and CISF’s Clarification
At the outset, Justice Govindaraj orally remarked that if the petitioner was alleging non-compliance, she could file a
. This was in response to the petitioner's grievance that the
order had not been fully complied with. However, ASG Kamath intervened to explain the apparent confusion. He told the court,
"We had undertaken that CCTV footage had been preserved from 16:30 hrs on March 3 to 6.00 hrs on 4th March. I believe that video, there is one video which runs up to 11 hrs. They have thought that since it's more than what the court ordered it cannot be given. But I have told them that it can be given."
He further clarified that the officials had proceeded on the understanding that footage beyond 6:00 AM could not be supplied because the court's direction only covered the period up to that time. The ASG assured the court, "Whatever we have preserved, we will hand it over. The original is already erased from the server but we have preserved it. We can make copies anytime and give….” He added that if the petitioner were to approach the first respondent, the video recording up to 11:00 AM would be furnished.
Legal Significance and Analysis
This case underscores the critical role of CCTV footage in criminal proceedings, particularly where an accused seeks to establish their exact movements or rebut allegations of wrongdoing. The High Court's intervention ensures that the accused receives complete and unedited evidence, which is fundamental to a . The misunderstanding regarding the extent of footage, although eventually resolved, highlights the need for precision in court orders and proper communication between judicial and executive authorities.
From a procedural standpoint, the court's willingness to consider a for non-compliance signals that directions on evidence preservation are not mere formalities. Authorities must scrupulously follow the terms of court orders, and any ambiguity should be clarified at the earliest opportunity. The CISF's representation acknowledges its duty to preserve and produce evidence, even if the original recording has been erased, as long as a copy remains in existence.
Impact on Legal Practice
For criminal and evidence lawyers, this case serves as a reminder of the importance of diligent requests for comprehensive evidence. It also illustrates how courts can address gaps in compliance through prompt clarification, rather than resorting to coercive action. The decision may encourage other courts to adopt a similar approach when dealing with demands for digital evidence, ensuring that both the letter and spirit of are honored.
Moreover, the case highlights the necessity of preserving CCTV footage in public spaces like airports, which are high-security zones prone to criminal allegations. It reinforces the principle that evidence custodians must retain records for as long as possible, especially when a court has ordered their production.
Conclusion
The , by recording the CISF's commitment to provide the full CCTV footage, has taken a decisive step toward ensuring transparency in the ongoing gold smuggling case. The clarification eliminates any doubt about the availability of evidence and allows Ranya Rao to access the material needed for her defense. As the legal proceedings continue, this episode underscores the judiciary's vigilance in safeguarding and the essential role of evidence in the administration of justice.
