HC asks TN Govt to formulate proposal on CCTV installation for all courts

The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Tamil Nadu government to formulate within four weeks a proposal for installation of CCTV inside courts across the state.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice R Mahadevan gave the interim order on a PIL after orally observing that allegations of alteration of witness depositions can be prevented if closed-circuit television (CCTV) is available inside court halls.

Petitioner S Kasiramalingam, an advocate, has sought a direction to the state government and Registrar General of the high court to install CCTV in all courts.

The bench agreed with the submissions of the petitioner's counsel that as per the counter-affidavit filed by the government, the cost for setting up CCTV in all court premises in the state would not go beyond Rs five crore.

Noting that funds were stated to have been released for a proposal for CCTV system in the Madras High Court and its bench in Madurai, besides district courts in the city, both inside court halls and the outer areas as well, it said a similar proposal has to emanate for courts in all districts.

Directing government departments concerned to fully cooperate in formulation of the proposal?within four weeks, the bench adjourned the matter to October 17.