Bombay HC Orders Review Of Police Station CCTV Systems

The Bombay High Court has ordered a statewide review of CCTV systems in police stations across Maharashtra. This decision was made after the court was informed that footage from a case could not be produced because it was only retained for six months.

The order was passed by a Bench of Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge and Justice Gautam Ankhad on July 15, while hearing a petition filed by Prashant Kokane. Kokane alleged harassment by officials of Ghatkopar Police Station after he complained about an alleged bogus ration card and sought information under the RTI Act.

Kokane claimed that the police initiated chapter proceedings against him with a mala fide intention and pressured him to withdraw his complaints. He sought preservation of CCTV footage from the police station between March 17 and March 20, 2025, contending that it would support his case.

The court had directed Ghatkopar Police Station to preserve the footage relating to the alleged incident on June 22, 2026. However, the Additional Public Prosecutor informed the Bench that the footage was unavailable because the police station retained CCTV recordings for only six months.

The petitioner pointed out that he had written to the Senior Police Inspector on April 15, 2025, requesting preservation of the footage. The court noted that the application had been received by the police station on the same day.

The Bench observed that the State had previously assured the court that CCTV coverage would be expanded and storage capacity increased to preserve recordings for up to 18 months. The court directed the Director General of Police to conduct a fact-finding exercise across all police stations in Maharashtra and submit a report on the functioning of CCTV cameras, the period for which recordings are preserved, and the steps taken to implement the High Court's 2022 directions.

The court also asked the DGP to explain why Ghatkopar Police Station reported that CCTV footage could not be preserved beyond six months. The matter has been posted for further hearing on August 10.

The Bombay High Court's order highlights the need for effective CCTV systems in police stations to ensure transparency and accountability. The court's directions are aimed at preventing the destruction of evidence and ensuring that footage is preserved for a reasonable period.

The case has also raised questions about the retention policies of CCTV footage in police stations. The court's observation that the State had previously assured that CCTV coverage would be expanded and storage capacity increased to preserve recordings for up to 18 months suggests that there may be a gap between policy and practice.

The statewide review ordered by the court is expected to reveal the extent to which police stations in Maharashtra are complying with the High Court's directions on CCTV cameras and footage retention. The report submitted by the DGP will likely provide valuable insights into the functioning of CCTV systems in police stations and the steps needed to improve them.

The Bombay High Court's decision is significant because it underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in policing. The use of CCTV cameras in police stations is intended to prevent human rights abuses and ensure that police officers are held accountable for their actions.

In the context of Maharashtra, the court's order is particularly relevant given the state's history of police misconduct and human rights abuses. The statewide review of CCTV systems in police stations is a step towards ensuring that the police are transparent and accountable in their dealings with the public.

Overall, the Bombay High Court's order is a welcome move towards promoting transparency and accountability in policing. The court's directions are aimed at preventing the destruction of evidence and ensuring that footage is preserved for a reasonable period, which will help to build trust between the police and the public.

The case will be closely watched as it proceeds to the next hearing on August 10. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for policing in Maharashtra and may set a precedent for other states to follow.

In conclusion, the Bombay High Court's order for a statewide review of CCTV systems in police stations is a significant step towards promoting transparency and accountability in policing. The court's directions are aimed at preventing the destruction of evidence and ensuring that footage is preserved for a reasonable period, which will help to build trust between the police and the public.

The order highlights the need for effective CCTV systems in police stations to ensure transparency and accountability. The statewide review will likely reveal the extent to which police stations in Maharashtra are complying with the High Court's directions on CCTV cameras and footage retention, and will provide valuable insights into the functioning of CCTV systems in police stations and the steps needed to improve them.

The Bombay High Court's decision is a welcome move towards promoting transparency and accountability in policing, and its implications will be closely watched as the case proceeds to the next hearing on August 10.