HC seeks report on CCTV cameras in police stations

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 19

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has called for progress report on the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations and CIA staff premises across the state. The DGP has also been asked to seek information from the SSPs in all police on the status of power supply and backup.

The directions by Justice Amol Rattan Singh aimed at checking illegal detention came on a bunch of four petitions filed by Mohit Nayyar against the Punjab Government and other respondents.

Justice Amol Rattan Singh has already made it clear that the next logical step for the government would be to set up cameras at different points on roads and other places to ensure protection of life and liberty of the citizens.

As the case came up for resumed hearing, an affidavit filed by Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi was placed before the Bench.

The affidavit, among other things, stated that the police stations and CIA staff premises in Punjab had been provided with “24x7 electricity supply”. Additionally, UPS systems had been provided for one hour backup in case of power failure.

Taking up the matter, Justice Amol Rattan Singh directed Managing Director of the Punjab Information and Communication Technology Corporation Ltd to file an affidavit specifying the progress in the work of inviting bids against tenders issued for the installation of CCTV cameras in police stations and CIA staff premises.

Justice Amol Rattan Singh said the DGP would look at the ground realities and ascertain whether, practically, police stations were being provided round-the-clock electricity or additional back up was required.