A Critical Eye on Justice: India's Supreme Court Demands Accountability in Custody

It’s quite something when the highest court in the land, the Supreme Court, has to repeatedly remind the government about something as fundamental as human rights and accountability. Just recently, the court, in no uncertain terms, voiced its deep displeasure with the Central government over the significant delays in installing CCTV cameras in police stations and various investigative agencies across the country. And frankly, it's not just a technicality; this is about saving lives and upholding the very fabric of justice.

The bench, comprising Justices B.R. Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, was not shy about expressing its frustration. They highlighted a 2020 order that explicitly mandated CCTVs with night vision, audio recording capabilities, and an 18-month data storage period in all police stations. Not just that, but also in the offices of major central agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), and more. This wasn't a suggestion; it was a clear directive aimed squarely at combating the alarming issue of custodial deaths and torture.

“We are not satisfied at all,” Justice Gavai remarked, and you could almost feel the weight of his words. He specifically referenced the persistent non-compliance even after the court had previously extended deadlines. The Centre’s counsel, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati, sought a further three weeks to file a compliance affidavit, a request the court grudgingly granted, but not without a clear message: no more excuses. The patience, it seems, is wearing thin.

You see, the court’s December 2020 order was a landmark moment, a direct response to the persistent allegations of torture and abuse within custody. It was designed to bring much-needed transparency, acting as an impartial witness to events inside these facilities. The idea was simple yet powerful: if you know you’re being recorded, you’re far less likely to engage in unlawful practices. And if something does go wrong, there’s irrefutable evidence.

Beyond just installing cameras, the order also stipulated that state-level oversight committees, along with district-level ones, be established. These committees would play a crucial role in overseeing the functioning of these cameras, purchasing necessary equipment, and reviewing the footage. Moreover, it detailed a process for making these recordings available to victims of human rights violations or their families, and even to those accused who might have faced mistreatment. This wasn't just about catching wrongdoers; it was about ensuring that due process and dignity are maintained, even in the most sensitive of circumstances.

So, what’s next? The Centre now has three weeks to provide a detailed affidavit on the status of compliance. All states and Union Territories are also expected to furnish comprehensive details regarding the installation and functionality of these cameras. It’s a serious business, this push for accountability, and the Supreme Court isn't just watching; it’s actively ensuring that the law enforcement agencies, meant to protect citizens, are themselves held to the highest standards. Because, ultimately, the trust of the people in the justice system hinges on such fundamental protections.