In a recent judgement, the Supreme Court directed the Union government to follow its December 2020 ruling, which mandated the setting up of CCTV cameras in the offices of central investigative agencies. The court set a July 18 deadline for compliance, claiming that the action will increase openness and defend the human rights of both accused individuals and those awaiting trial.In a recent affidavit, the Supreme Court bench led by Justice B.R. Gavai expressed concern that various investigative agencies had failed to take genuine steps to comply with the courts decision. The bench found it depressing that four of the seven agencies had not taken any real steps to comply with the decision.A three-judge bench led by retired Justice Rohinton Nariman gave December 2020 ruling directing the Union government to set up CCTV cameras and recording devices in the offices of several investigative agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, and Enforcement Directorate, among others. Only the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Ladakh, Mizoram, and Goa, according to the bench led by Justice Gavai, have fully cooperated with the orders by creating funding allocations and installing CCTV cameras.If the government fails to adhere and submit an affidavit by July 18, the court has ordered the Union home secretary to attend in person at the next scheduled hearing to explain why they should not be punished with contempt. The court also stated that if the chief secretary or administrator of any state or Union Territory fails to comply with the court order or file an affidavit before the deadline, they must personally appear in court on the next hearing date to show cause why an action for contempt should not be brought against them.
