Non-functioning CCTV cameras at police stations and incomplete installation of CCTV surveillance systems by selected contractors constitute a breach of directions given by the Supreme Court.

ORDER

1. Since the Courts are repeatedly given an excuse by the police o1cials manning the Police Stations in the State of Maharashtra that the CCTV cameras installed at the police station are not functioning since a long time thereby committing breach of the directions given by the Supreme Court in the case of Paramvir Singh Saini Vs. Baljit Singh & Ors., (2021) 1 SCC 184 we had passed a detailed Order on 25th January, 2022 seeking information from the Chief Secretary, State of Maharashtra qua the CCTV cameras installed at all the police stations in the State and the corrective action taken to restore the functioning of all non-functional CCTV cameras.

2. In response to the said Order, the Chief Secretary, State of Maharashtra has filed an A1davit dated 14th February, 2022, which in our view, is devoid of relevant particulars and therefore, completely unsatisfactory. We have not been informed whether CCTV cameras are installed at the police stations as directed by the Supreme Court in paragraph 16 of its Order in the case of Paramvir Singh (supra) and why CCTV cameras till date have remained to be installed in a number of police stations. Interestingly, out of 1089 police stations, the work of installation of CCTV Surveillance system is completed only in 547 Police Stations. This is so because it appears that only two contractors have been selected to execute the project of installing CCTV surveillance system in 1089 Police Stations. When a question was put by the Court as to how the two contractors are selected to execute the work amounting to Rs. 60 Crores, Mr. Ramesh Malhari Dhumal, Assistant Inspector General who is present in Court, is unable to answer the question. Again we are informed by them that 453 CCTV cameras which are recently installed are non-functional. No particulars are given as to where the said 453 non-functional cameras are installed and what steps are taken to restore the functioning of the same. In view thereof, Advocate Ms. Vyas representing the State on instructions states that a detailed A1davit will be filed on the adjourned date. Stand over to 21st February, 2022 when the learned Advocate General is requested to remain present and assist the Court.