The Supreme Court of India has taken decisive action to address the persistent issue of custodial deaths and the lack of functional CCTV cameras in police stations across the country. On Thursday, September 4, 2025, a bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed the registration of a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the matter. This move followed the court's cognizance of a media report highlighting the alarming rise in custodial deaths and the inadequacy of surveillance mechanisms within police stations.

The Court's decision was influenced by a report in Dainik Bhaskar, which revealed that approximately 11 custodial deaths had occurred in the preceding seven to eight months of 2025. Justice Nath, while passing the order, noted the importance of addressing the lack of functional CCTV cameras in police stations, given the increase in reported custodial deaths.

This intervention by the Supreme Court comes nearly five years after its landmark 2020 judgment, which mandated the installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations nationwide. The 2020 order, delivered by Justices Rohinton Fali Nariman, KM Joseph, and Aniruddha Bose, explicitly directed states and Union Territories to ensure that CCTV cameras were installed at every police station, covering all crucial areas, including entry and exit points, main gates, lock-ups, corridors, lobbies, receptions, and areas outside lock-up rooms. The Court had also mandated that these systems must be equipped with night vision capability and provide both audio and video recording, with data storage for at least one year. Furthermore, the 2020 judgment extended the CCTV installation mandate to offices of central agencies such as the CBI, NIA, ED, NCB, DRI, and SFIO, where interrogations are conducted.

The lack of adherence to the 2020 directive has raised concerns about transparency and accountability within law enforcement. The recent media report and the Supreme Court's subsequent action underscore the urgent need for effective implementation of these measures. The 2018 order by the apex court also aimed to check human rights abuses.

Custodial deaths remain a significant problem in India, with a high risk of torture and ill-treatment, particularly for marginalized communities. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reported numerous custodial deaths, and in many cases, justice is not served. Activists and human rights organizations have long criticized the lack of accountability and the systemic issues that contribute to custodial violence.

The Supreme Court's initiation of a suo motu PIL reflects a commitment to enforcing its previous directives and safeguarding human rights. By addressing the lack of functional CCTV cameras in police stations, the court aims to enhance transparency, deter misconduct, and ensure that instances of custodial death or violence are thoroughly investigated. The effectiveness of this intervention will depend on the diligent implementation of the Court's orders by the relevant authorities and a broader commitment to police reform and accountability.