The Supreme Court has praised Kerala’s police station CCTV system, calling it a model for other states while reviewing nationwide compliance with its surveillance directive.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has commended the CCTV surveillance system implemented in police stations across Kerala, describing it as exemplary and urging other states to adopt similar measures.
The observation came during the hearing of a public interest litigation concerning the implementation of the court’s earlier directive mandating CCTV cameras in all police stations nationwide.
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A bench comprising Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta noted that Kerala has successfully ensured full coverage, with functional cameras installed in all police stations. The court highlighted that the system allows authorised officers to access live CCTV feeds remotely through mobile devices, reflecting a high level of technological integration and monitoring capability.
The court contrasted Kerala’s progress with the slow implementation in several other states, including Jharkhand, which it said are lagging significantly in complying with the directive. It questioned why similar systems could not be adopted elsewhere and suggested that states engage with Kerala authorities to understand and replicate the model.
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The case stems from the court taking suo motu cognisance following reports of custodial deaths in Rajasthan in 2020. At the time, the court had issued clear directions to install functional CCTV cameras in police stations to enhance transparency, accountability and oversight in law enforcement.
During the latest hearing, the court reiterated the importance of ensuring that these systems are not only installed but remain fully operational. It emphasised that surveillance in police stations is a key safeguard against custodial violence and helps strengthen public trust in policing.
Taking the matter further, the court directed the Union Home Secretary to appear in person at the next hearing to provide updates on compliance across states. The directive signals the court’s continued focus on enforcing accountability and ensuring that its earlier orders are effectively implemented across the country.
The court’s remarks highlight Kerala’s approach as a benchmark in police reforms, while also underlining the need for uniform adoption of surveillance systems to improve transparency and prevent abuse within police stations nationwide.
Published: 06 Apr 2026, 04:54 pm IST
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