Tribunal to install CCTV cameras in courts soon

Ishrat S Banwait

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 22

Following the Supreme Court’s latest directions to speed up work of installing CCTV cameras in all courts, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Chandigarh Bench, has also decided to follow suit. The estimate has been prepared and forwarded for the same and the process for both courts will be started soon.

CCTV cameras in the district court here have already been installed and are functional. However, LED screens that were installed almost three months ago are yet to start functioning.

Following another SC direction to install such screens and encourage video conferencing for speedy disposal of cases, the screens were installed in the first week of September in all courts. However, there was no plug-point connection near the screens and it was said that the needful will soon be done. However, it is still awaited and screens are being rendered useless.

The latest SC directive to speed up the work of installation of CCTV cameras came with a comment that there is no privacy of judges in the court room. The SC said in a democracy, courts were supposed to be open for all and installing CCTV cameras to record the trials would ensure transparency. While most agree with it, some judges and lawyers have apprehensions regarding recording of proceedings.

Quotes

The step will bring more transparency which is required in a democracy. However, it can also be misused by someone, which needs to be taken care of. — Justice Permod Kohli, Chairman, CAT

It is a good step as courts are supposed to be open. The only apprehension is being taken out of context in some cases, especially things said in a lighter tone. — Justice MS Sullar, Vice-Chairman, CAT

It is a good initiative of the Supreme Court. It will bring more transparency in the judiciary. — Advocate Anmol Rattan Sidhu, President, High Court Bar Association

Courts are supposed to be a public place and not a judge's private room. It is a very good decision as courts should always remain open courts. — Ravinder Bassi, President, District Bar Association

It is a very good step and will increase transparency in the judicial system. Any wrongdoing inside courts will be on record now. — Advocate SK Garg Narwana