CCTV Cameras in Police Stations Are the First Shield Against Illegal Detention: Allahabad High Court Slams Non-Preservation of Footage

“Maintaining CCTV Footage Only for Two Months Defeats Supreme Court Mandate”, In a significant ruling highlighting the importance of CCTV surveillance in police stations as a safeguard against illegal detention and custodial abuse, the Allahabad High Court observed that failure to properly maintain CCTV footage undermines the constitutional guarantee of personal liberty under Article 21.

Justice Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal strongly criticized police authorities for failing to preserve CCTV footage of a police station despite repeated judicial directions. The Court held that such lapses weaken accountability mechanisms meant to protect citizens from unlawful custody.

Background of the Case

The matter arose during the hearing of a bail application filed by the applicant accused of financial fraud under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

During the proceedings, the applicant alleged that he had been illegally detained by the police from 14/15 September 2025, while the police officially showed his arrest only on 17 September 2025.

His sister had filed an application before the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Lalitpur, complaining about illegal detention and seeking production of CCTV footage of the police station to verify the allegation.

The CJM issued repeated orders directing the police to produce the CCTV footage for the relevant dates. However, despite multiple notices, the Station House Officer and Investigating Officer failed to produce the footage.

When the matter reached the High Court, the police officers stated that the CCTV system in the police station had storage capacity of only two months, due to which the footage had been automatically deleted.

CCTV Cameras in Police Stations

The High Court emphasized that CCTV cameras in police stations are a critical safeguard against illegal detention, custodial violence, and human rights violations.

The Court noted that the Supreme Court in Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh (2021) 1 SCC 184 had issued detailed directions mandating installation and proper maintenance of CCTV cameras in all police stations.

Quoting the Supreme Court directions, the High Court observed that:

“CCTV cameras must be installed at all entry and exit points, lock-ups, corridors, lobbies, reception areas, inspector rooms and other parts of police stations to ensure transparency in police functioning.”

The Court further emphasized that these directions were issued to protect the fundamental right to life and personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Court Criticizes Practice of Short CCTV Storage

The Court expressed serious concern that several police stations maintain CCTV footage only for a short duration.

The Court noted that the Supreme Court had clearly directed that CCTV footage must be preserved for at least six months and ideally up to eighteen months, yet the police station in the present case preserved footage only for two to two-and-a-half months.

The Court remarked:

“The practice of maintaining CCTV footage only for two or two-and-a-half months is contrary to the directions of the Supreme Court in Paramvir Singh Saini.”

The Court further observed that such practices defeat the purpose of installing CCTV cameras, especially when allegations of illegal detention arise after some time.

Responsibility of SHO for CCTV Maintenance

The High Court reiterated that the Station House Officer bears primary responsibility for the functioning and maintenance of CCTV cameras in police stations.

The Court emphasized that if CCTV systems malfunction or storage capacity is insufficient, the SHO must immediately inform the District Level Oversight Committee (DLOC) so that corrective action can be taken.

The Court observed:

“Failure to properly maintain CCTV cameras has become a routine feature in several police stations of Uttar Pradesh, which seriously affects the personal liberty of persons who may be illegally taken into custody.”

Directions for Monitoring CCTV Compliance

In order to ensure strict compliance with the Supreme Court guidelines, the High Court issued an important direction empowering Chief Judicial Magistrates and jurisdictional Magistrates to randomly inspect police stations.

The Court directed that Magistrates may visit police stations after court hours to verify whether CCTV cameras are functioning properly, and such inspection shall be treated as part of their official duty.

The Court further directed that all police officials must cooperate during such inspections, and any obstruction or disrespect toward judicial officers would be dealt with strictly.

CCTV Footage as Crucial Evidence in Human Rights Violations

The Court also reiterated that in cases of custodial violence or illegal detention, CCTV footage can serve as crucial evidence.

Referring to the Supreme Court judgment in Paramvir Singh Saini, the Court observed that complaints regarding custodial violence may be filed before Human Rights Courts established under Section 30 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, which can immediately summon CCTV footage to secure evidence.

The ruling underscores the vital role of CCTV surveillance in ensuring transparency, accountability, and protection of fundamental rights in police stations.

By criticizing the inadequate storage of CCTV footage and directing judicial oversight of police stations, the Allahabad High Court reinforced that technological safeguards like CCTV cameras must function effectively to prevent illegal detention and custodial abuse.

Date of Decision: 19 February 2026