Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has issued a contempt notice to the state Director General of Police (DGP) over alleged non-compliance with its earlier order directing the installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations across the state. The court has sought an explanation from the DGP on why contempt proceedings should not be initiated for the alleged failure to comply with the judicial direction.
High Court Seeks Explanation From Jharkhand DGP
A bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar issued the direction while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation on Thursday.
The court directed the DGP to file an affidavit explaining the status of compliance with the earlier order and the reasons for the delay in installing CCTV cameras in police stations.
Earlier Order Mandated CCTV Cameras in All Police Stations
The court had previously directed the state government to ensure that CCTV cameras were installed in all police stations in Jharkhand and that a compliance report was submitted before the court.
During Thursday’s hearing, the bench sought clarity on the steps taken so far to implement the direction. The court questioned why the earlier order had not been fully complied with despite sufficient time having been provided.
CCTV Surveillance Linked to Police Accountability
The issue of CCTV surveillance in police stations is closely linked to transparency and accountability in police functioning.
Such cameras can provide an objective record of activities within police premises and are particularly significant in matters involving detention, interrogation and complaints regarding police conduct. The High Court’s earlier direction was aimed at ensuring effective monitoring and compliance with safeguards.
Court Expresses Concern Over Delay in Implementation
During the hearing, the court expressed concern over the apparent delay in implementing its order.
The bench orally cautioned that the authorities should not create a situation in which the court is compelled to take strict action. The observation came while the court was seeking an explanation for the alleged non-compliance and asking the police leadership to take the matter seriously.
Chief Secretary and Home Secretary Directed to Ensure Compliance
The High Court also directed the state Chief Secretary and Home Secretary to ensure serious compliance with the court’s directions.
The officials were asked to pay attention to the implementation of the order and ensure that the authorities concerned take the necessary steps. The court indicated that responsibility for compliance cannot be treated casually when a judicial direction has already been issued.
DGP Asked to Submit CCTV Installation Status
The DGP has now been asked to place the compliance position before the court through an affidavit.
The affidavit is expected to clarify how many police stations have CCTV cameras installed, what work remains pending and the reasons for any delay. The court may examine the explanation and the actual implementation status at the next hearing.
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Contempt Notice Does Not Amount to Final Finding
The contempt notice does not itself establish any final finding of wrongdoing against the DGP.
The notice gives the police leadership an opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the alleged non-compliance and place the relevant facts before the court. Any further action will depend on the court’s assessment of the explanation and the compliance status.
Next Hearing Scheduled for September 17
The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 17.
The court is likely to examine the affidavit submitted by the DGP and assess whether the state has taken adequate steps to comply with the earlier order. The status of CCTV installation across police stations is expected to remain a key issue during the proceedings.
CCTV Compliance Remains Under Court Scrutiny
The court’s intervention highlights the importance of timely implementation of judicial directions concerning police infrastructure and accountability.
With the DGP, Chief Secretary and Home Secretary now directed to take the matter seriously, the state authorities will be required to demonstrate concrete progress before the next hearing.
About the author — Ananya Aradhya writes on cybercrime, fraud, scams, cybersecurity, digital safety, and emerging threats. Her work also covers major criminal cases, financial frauds, consumer scams, and stories that highlight risks affecting people in the real and digital world.
