The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Delhi Police and the Government of India on a petition raising concerns about the absence of CCTV cameras at a police facility, underscoring judicial scrutiny over surveillance infrastructure in law enforcement premises. The directions were issued by a division bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shail Jain on March 9, during the hearing of a narcotics‑related case in which the absence of video surveillance was highlighted as an issue.

The plea, filed by an accused in the narcotics case, contended that the lack of closed‑circuit television (CCTV) coverage at the police facility compromised transparency and accountability during custody and investigation. Responding to the petition, the bench directed the police and government to file affidavit replies explaining the circumstances that led to the absence of CCTV cameras, and what steps, if any, have been taken to address gaps in surveillance.

Judicial concern over CCTV infrastructure in police stations and law enforcement facilities has been a recurring theme in Indian courts. Courts, including the Supreme Court, have previously underscored the importance of functional CCTV cameras in detention centres, police stations, and interrogation rooms to prevent abuse, ensure evidence preservation, and reinforce public trust in the criminal justice system.

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According to recent audits and reports, surveillance coverage in the national capital has faced challenges, with thousands of publicly installed cameras offline or malfunctioning due to power outages, technical faults, or maintenance issues. Public Works Department data indicates that a significant number of CCTV units across Delhi require repairs or upgrades to ensure uninterrupted monitoring in key areas.

Legal experts say the High Court’s order reflects wider concerns about systemic gaps in CCTV deployment and functioning, especially in sensitive spaces where custody and detention occur. Effective surveillance not only aids police investigations but also acts as a safeguard against rights violations and procedural lapses, they note.

The court’s request for official replies sets the stage for a broader examination of the scope, coverage, and operational status of CCTV systems in police facilities, potentially prompting administrative action and policy interventions to strengthen transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.

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