The order has been directed at central investigating agencies too, such as the CBI, ED and NIA. The placement of such devices, such as key areas of the police station, provisioning of power back-up and preservation of audio and video recordings for 18 months, has also been specified.

The ruling is being seen as a welcome measure considering the spate of incidents that highlight police brutality in India. In June, the custodial deaths of the father-son duo Jeyaraj and Bennix, who were assaulted by police in Sathankulam near Thoothukudi for violating lockdown rules, sent shockwaves around the nation. Subsequently, the Madras High Court (MHC) in November pre-empted the SC’s decision and ordered the installation of CCTVs in all police stations in the state. The state police chief was also asked to issue consolidated instructions about the rights of the common man seeking police assistance.

Data compiled by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over a decade until March 2020, says 17,146 people died in judicial and police custody during this period. That is about five people per day. In 2020, when a majority of the year was spent in lockdown, 914 people lost their lives in custody, of which 53 were under the police’s watch. Reports suggest since 2005, police torture has been normalised as no errant officer has been booked, until recently.

In fact, as per Section 132 of CrPC, officers of the police, armed forces and even civilians who engage in activities to help disperse crowds, cannot be prosecuted without prior sanction. In its eighth report, the National Police Commission had sought the withdrawal of protection available to police officers under this section. Even though it’s mandatory to report every custodial death, compliance is far from 100 per cent and failure to comply is still not punishable.

In 2015, a representation of TN police told Madras High Court that CCTV cameras will be set up in 1,567 police stations in the state in five years. However, the original timeline set for accomplishing this task was 18 years, which the Court felt was inordinate. The counter-affidavit filed by the Inspector General of Police (Administration) mentioned there was a reduction in grant provided to police under the Modernisation of Police Force initiative. It also said available resources were being used to make up for the shortcoming. Quite ironic, when one considers that in October 2020, Home Minister Amit Shah spoke about a modernisation programme to prepare India’s police and paramilitary forces for new challenges involving cybercrime, terrorism, and border security.

The fact that custodial deaths happen, cannot be ignored, and those responsible must be brought to justice. But one must understand the milieu in which such violations take place. The police force roughly has about 158 officers for every 1 lakh people. An absence of manpower is compounded by low investment in modern techniques of investigation. Add to this, an element of undue political pressure and needless scrutiny, which compels police to resort to coercion-based questioning. The annual state budget towards police forces is a pitiable 1.2 to 2.7 per cent, and it’s a workforce where 28 per cent of posts remain vacant. Modernisation via CCTVs might be a far-fetched dream when the weapon shortage ailing the force is 77 per cent, coupled with a vehicle shortage of 35 per cent. Introducing accountability to the police will go a long way in improving their relationship with the masses. But those assigned with our protection mustn’t be instructed to do so, with one arm tied behind their backs. Those in power have an opportunity to curb wasteful expenditure and channel budgets where they are rightfully due. Let’s start with the police.