Delhi HC asks Centre to consider PIL on body-worn cameras during protests as representation
The bench said the matter affects policing nationwide and gave the Centre six months to decide on a standard operating procedure.
- On Wednesday, the Delhi High Court directed the Centre to treat a public interest litigation seeking mandatory body-worn camera standard operating procedures as a representation, granting six months for a government decision.
- Advocate Chahat Raghav filed the PIL after the Delhi Police's 2022 standing order failed to provide specific protocols for body-worn cameras, resulting in sporadic usage during protests and crowd-control operations.
- Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal argued clear procedures would address "allegations and counter allegations," while Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma submitted that existing PIL rules require petitioners to first approach authorities.
- Acting Chief Justice Nitin Wasudeo Sambre questioned whether immediate judicial intervention was necessary, noting the issue concerns broader policing implications beyond the Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force.
- The government must communicate its decision on framing the SOP within six months, though the petitioner retains liberty to approach the High Court again if dissatisfied by any inaction.
15 Articles
15 Articles
The Economic Times
Delhi HC asks Centre to consider PIL on body-worn cameras during protests as representation
The Delhi High Court is considering a PIL that requests mandatory use of body-worn cameras by police. The petition aims to enhance accountability and transparency during crowd-control operations and protests. Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal argues that existing rules do not adequately address this issue. The respondents were directed to communicate their decision about a standard operating procedure on the use of these cameras.
Delhi High Court declines PIL on mandatory body cameras for police, RAF during protests
A bench headed by Acting Chief Justice Nitin Sambre observed that there was no legal “grey area” requiring judicial intervention and questioned why the court should direct the government to legislate on the issue.
Delhi HC seeks decision on body cameras for police, RAF during protests
The Delhi High Court has directed the government to decide within six months on a representation seeking an SOP for mandatory body-worn cameras for Delhi Police and RAF personnel deployed during protests and crowd-control operations, citing transparency and accountability concerns Updated On – 7 October 2026, 03:48 PM New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the government to treat a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking mandat…
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