Following a distressing custodial assault incident, Tripura High Court directs strict compliance with Paramvir Singh Saini judgment mandating comprehensive CCTV coverage, maintenance duties, and oversight mechanisms within police stations.
Agartala, September 17, 2026: The Tripura High Court, in its recent judgment dated September 17, 2026, issued stringent directions for the installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras in all police stations across the state, reiterating the Supreme Court's landmark judgment in Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh & Others (2020). This move aims to bolster transparency and accountability in police functioning, particularly concerning custodial violence and misconduct.
The case arose from a disturbing incident on the night of April 4-5, 2026, at the East Agartala Police Station, where Saikat Saha, son of the petitioner Ratna Roy, was forcibly taken by a municipal employee and a Special Police Officer. CCTV footage from inside the police station captured Saikat being assaulted and humiliated in the presence of police personnel. This crucial evidence enabled the High Court to intervene promptly.
Following the incident, the Court had ordered seizure of the CCTV recordings and constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by an Inspector General of Police. The SIT's report prima facie confirmed the petitioner's allegations against the accused individuals. Consequently, show cause notices were issued, suspensions were effected, departmental proceedings initiated, and ultimately, the accused's services were terminated. A charge sheet was filed in the criminal court.
The Court highlighted that the availability of CCTV footage was pivotal in ensuring effective judicial intervention. It contrasted this with a similar pending case where CCTV cameras were non-functional around the date of the alleged assault, hampering accountability efforts.
Drawing upon the Supreme Court's directions in Paramvir Singh Saini (2020), the Tripura High Court mandated:
- Installation of CCTV cameras at all critical points within police stations, including entry and exit points, lock-ups, corridors, reception areas, officers' rooms, verandas, and outside washrooms (excluding interiors).
- The CCTV systems must be equipped with night vision and audio-video recording capabilities.
- Footage should be stored securely for a minimum of one year, with a goal to extend storage up to 18 months as technology permits.
- The Finance Departments of State and Union Territory governments must allocate adequate funds to implement these measures.
- The Station House Officer (SHO) or Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of each police station will bear responsibility for the cameras' functioning, maintenance, fault reporting, data backup, and ensuring uninterrupted recording.
- In case of malfunctioning cameras, the SHO/OIC must promptly inform the District Level Oversight Committee (DLOC), which will coordinate with the State Level Oversight Committee (SLOC) for repairs or replacement.
The Court emphasized that adherence to these guidelines is essential to prevent recurrence of custodial abuses and to promote a culture of transparency within police stations. It also noted the role of the Union Government's Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernization of Police (ASUMP) scheme in financing such initiatives.
By issuing these directions, the Tripura High Court has reinforced the legal framework ensuring police accountability through technological means. This judgment serves as a benchmark for states to modernize police infrastructure and safeguard human rights within custodial settings.
Bottom Line:
Police accountability - Installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras in police stations - Directions reiterated for implementation of Supreme Court guidelines to ensure transparency and accountability in police functioning.
Statutory provision(s):
Installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras in police stations.
Ratna Roy v. State of Tripura, (Tripura)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2981993
