The Supreme Court has made b remarks regarding violence and deaths in police custody. During the hearing of a case, the Court stated that this is a blemish on the system and the country will not tolerate it.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has taken a tough stance on violence and deaths in police custody. The apex court stated on Tuesday that custodial deaths and violence are a “major blemish” on our system, and the country will not tolerate them under any circumstances. The Court, while adjourning the hearing of the case until December 16, warned the Centre and states to submit their reports immediately.
What is the matter?
The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of the matter, which is related to the absence and non-functioning of CCTV cameras in police stations across the country. During this, the court expressed deep concern over 11 custodial deaths in Rajasthan within eight months. The two-judge bench, comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, stated,
'The country will no longer tolerate such incidents. This is a blemish on the system. Custodial deaths cannot happen.'
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta also clarified that custodial deaths cannot be justified under any circumstances. The Court made sharp remarks on the central government's negligence and asked, 'Why is the central government taking this court lightly?' Following this, the Centre assured to file an affidavit within three weeks.
Supreme Court's Order
The Supreme Court had ordered in 2018 and 2020 that all police stations, and offices of central agencies like CBI, ED, NIA, should install full-coverage CCTV cameras and recording systems. However, the court was informed that only 11 states have filed their reports so far. Many states and central departments have still not submitted compliance reports.
CCTV systems have been installed in three central agencies, but other institutions are still lagging. The Supreme Court praised Madhya Pradesh. The bench stated that the state has live-linked every police station and outpost to the District Control Room, which is an exemplary step.
Discussion on America's Model and Open-Air Jails
During the hearing, America's model was mentioned, where CCTV live-streaming is implemented, and there are also some private prisons. The Solicitor General informed that a suggestion to build private jails using CSR funds had come up some time ago. The Court stated that it is already examining a case on the open-air jail model, which could alleviate issues such as overcrowding, violence, and security in prisons.
The Supreme Court clarified that states and Union Territories that have not yet submitted their reports must present them to the court within three weeks. If the reports are not submitted, the Principal Secretary of the Home Department of those states/Union Territories will have to appear before the Court. The Centre was also directed that if central agencies fail to comply, their directors will be summoned. The hearing is now listed for December 16. By then, all states, Union Territories, and the Centre must submit their reports to the court.
