Summary
In this 3 April 2018 order, the Supreme Court approved a phased centrally driven plan for crime-scene videography and directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to establish a Central Oversight Body forthwith. The Centre was to support and fund the body, which would ensure initial implementation at viable priority locations by 15 July 2018. Directions also addressed independent State oversight of police-station and prison CCTV footage. A progress affidavit was required by 31 July, with further consideration on 1 August 2018.
Issues
- How crime-scene videography should be introduced despite equipment, training, funding and forensic constraints.
- What oversight was required for implementation and CCTV review.
Held
- Videography could capture and present crucial evidence credibly, subject to safeguards. The Court approved the Committee’s Centrally Driven Plan of Action and stated timeline for phased implementation, with consequential steps to be taken at the earliest. It did not impose immediate universal recording of every investigation. (¶¶ 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
- The Ministry was to create a Central Oversight Body forthwith, supported by necessary Central funds. The body would plan, implement and issue directions, ensuring introduction of crime-scene videography at least at some viable priority locations in the first phase by 15 July 2018. Initial Central funding and a central server were suggestions for its consideration. (¶¶ 11, 12)
- Each State was to have independent oversight to examine police-station and prison CCTV footage and publish periodic observations. The Central Oversight Body was to issue instructions, compile compliance information within three months and report. Central and State Home Secretaries were to ensure compliance, and the body’s progress affidavit was due by 31 July 2018. (¶¶ 13, 14, 15)
Result
Implementation and oversight directions issued; progress affidavit due by 31 July 2018 and matter listed for further consideration on 1 August 2018. This order did not dispose of the underlying criminal merits.