Police stations not following SC's directive
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, August 25 2023:
Although the Supreme Court had directed for installation of CCTV cameras in police stations of every state, Manipur has failed to fully comply with the decree.
Addressing a press meet at Manipur Press Club here Friday, Manipur High Court advocate Brahmacharimayum Prem Sharma stated that majority of the police stations have failed to uphold the SC's directive, while some stations which have installed the same could not follow the guidelines properly.
In this regard, a law student from Singjamei Chingamakhong Chongtham Leikai, identified as Naothoiba Sarungbam had filed a PIL at Manipur High Court and the hearing of the same is on October 17 .
The PIL mentions the chief secretary, principal secretary (home) or commissioner, principal secretary (finance) or commissioner and DGP Manipur as respondents.
The acting Chief Justice of the High Court had also issued an order on August 23, instructing the respondents to submit a status report on the hearing day.
Prem continued that as per the SC's directive, the CCTVs to be installed at the police stations should have audio-visual and night vision features.
The cameras should be affixed at the main gate of the police station, exit, corridor, lobby, reception area; veranda, around the lock up, station hall, station compound, in front of the toilet, back area of the station, offices/rooms of duty officer, inspect and sub-inspector.
The CCTV footage storage capacity should not be less than 18 months, or a year's capacity if the former is not available.
In absence of electricity, it should be powered by solar or wind energy, with the expense to be borne by the finance department.
Additionally, a state level or a district level oversight committee should be formed to submit monthly reports regarding the CCTV cameras and address any shortages.
Apart from this, the SC's order also mentioned about filing complaint to the state human rights commission, national human rights commission or the SP concerned in case of violation of any human rights, the advocate conveyed.