“Great work”, Supreme Court to Centre on installation of CCTVs in tribunals

The Supreme Court today expressed its satisfaction at the progress made by the Central government in relation to installation of CCTVs in various tribunals..A Bench of Justices AK Goel and UU Lalit, which is hearing the case, was apprised by Additional Solicitor General, Pinky Anand regarding the progress made by the Central government in this regard.After hearing the ASG and perusing the status report submitted by her, the Bench remarked,.“Great work”..It also enquired about the possibility of installing CCTVs in quasi-judicial bodies and State tribunals..After ASG made her submissions, Amicus Curiae Sidharth Luthra made his submissions..He raised some concerns which might accompany CCTV installation. This included concerns regarding identity of victims coming to court, protected witnesses etc. Further, conduct of in-camera proceedings, ensuring that CCTV recordings are not leaked etc. were other issues raised by Luthra..The Bench went on to record the submissions made by Luthra while directing the respective High Courts to look into the same..“Sh. Sidharth Luthra, learned senior counsel appearing as Amicus has submitted that certain concerns may need to be addressed such as identity of victims in sexual offences/protected witnesses appearing in MCOCA, UAPA etc. This aspect may also be considered by the High Courts/Central Government and necessary instructions may be issued from time to time as may be found appropriate.”.Likewise, the Court asked the Central government and the respective High Courts to explore the possibility of installation of CCTVs in State Tribunals and quasi-judicial bodies..“Only further issue that survives is whether installation of CCTV cameras can be considered in State Tribunals and Quasi Judicial Authorities, including the Executive Magistrate and Revenue Courts and availability of a terminal with oversight bodies. As far as Central Quasi Judicial Authorities are concerned, the Ministry of Law & Justice may consider this aspect within four weeks. As far as State Tribunal and State Quasi Judicial Authorities are concerned, we request the High Courts to consider this aspect on the Administrative/Judicial side. Question whether the terminal of CCTV cameras can be available with the oversight bodies may also be considered by the Central Government/concerned High Courts.”.Further, the Court also ordered that the specifications as well as the price range and sources of supply may be placed by the Ministry of Law & Justice on its website so that uniform standard approach can be adopted at all places..“It has been pointed out by learned Additional Solicitor General that the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology, National Informatics Centre after detailed study has prepared draft of technical specifications. The same was submitted to the E-Committee as per orders of this Court but according to the E-Committee, the issue was beyond the mandate of the said Committee. Accordingly, we clarify that the matter need not to be submitted to the E-Committee. All the specifications as well as the price range and sources of supply may be placed by the Ministry of Law & Justice on its website so that uniform standard approach can be adopted at all places. This may also be cost-effective and obviate the need for a tender process to save time.”.The case will now be heard on April 4..Read the order below.