Centre tells SC it will resolve CCTV gaps in police stations within two weeks

The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court of India that all issues relating to the installation and functioning of CCTVs in police stations across the country would be resolved within two weeks , as the apex court pressed for faster compliance with its mandate. Attorney General R Venkataramani said, “I am taking stock of the issue and a lot of things are happening. Within two weeks, all the issues will be sorted out by holding regular meetings with the amicus curiae and other officers.” The Union Home Secretary , present in court at the bench’s direction, will assist in implementing the nationwide CCTV scheme .

The case arises from concerns over the lack of functional CCTV cameras in many police stations despite a 2018 Supreme Court order directing all stations to install cameras covering entry and exit points, reception areas, lock‑ups, corridors and interrogation rooms to ensure transparency, accountability and protection against custodial abuses . The court highlighted the successful Kerala model , where senior police officers can monitor live footage in real time , and asked why similar systems cannot be adopted nationwide.

Data from the India Justice Report 2025 shows that while about 83 % of police stations nationwide have at least one CCTV camera , roughly 17 % still lack even one , revealing significant gaps in coverage. Total police stations in India number over 17,200 , and past official data showed more than 2,700 stations had no CCTV at all .

State‑wise, Telangana is among the top performers , with an RTI reply indicating CCTV cameras have been installed in all 367 police stations in the state, spending over ₹32.9 crore for the rollout. Independent reports in 2025 also found 88.9 % CCTV coverage in Telangana police stations, putting it ahead of many states. Andhra Pradesh shows mixed compliance: the India Justice Report 2025 found only about 58 % of its police stations equipped with CCTV cameras , even though the state police claim full compliance. Other states such as Rajasthan reported that 915 of 1,050 police stations already have CCTV cameras installed, with plans to strengthen infrastructure further. At the other end of the spectrum, states like Jharkhand had one of the lowest CCTV coverage levels , with only about 21.5 % of police stations equipped in 2025.

The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for April 28 to review progress, stressing that mere installation is not sufficient; all surveillance systems must be fully operational, monitored and compliant nationwide to protect citizens’ rights and prevent custodial violations.