The Tamil Nadu DGP has informed the Madras High Court that over half of the state's police stations now comply with the Supreme Court's mandate to retain CCTV footage for 18 months.
- 1,071 out of 2,100 police stations have completed the 18-month storage upgrade.
- Installation includes 6 high-tech IP cameras with night vision and audio recording per station.
- The project is being executed via ELCOT to ensure legal compliance with Supreme Court directives.
Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Mahesh Kumar Agarwal has officially notified the Madras High Court that the state has commenced a phased implementation of enhanced CCTV storage. Out of 2,100 police stations across the state, 1,071 have already been upgraded to retain footage for 18 months, aligning with a critical mandate from the apex court.
According to the status report filed before Justice V. Lakshminarayanan, each station is being equipped with six Internet Protocol (IP) cameras. These units are not merely visual; they feature night vision and audio recording capabilities. Strategic placement is ensured, covering high-sensitivity areas such as the reception, lock-up rooms, the Inspector's cabin, and the writer's desk to prevent any procedural lapses.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this transition from short-term (15-45 days) to long-term (18 months) storage is a pivotal shift in judicial accountability. In many cases of alleged custodial torture, footage is often 'lost' or 'overwritten' before a court can order its preservation. By extending the window to 18 months, the state significantly reduces the possibility of evidence tampering and enhances the protection of fundamental rights.
"The digitization of police surveillance is the most effective deterrent against custodial misconduct and a prerequisite for a modern, transparent legal system."
Historically, while 1,624 stations had cameras installed between 2013 and 2022, the storage capacity was woefully inadequate. Following the Supreme Court's 2021 directive, the State government provided financial sanction in December 2024. The current rollout is being managed by ELCOT (Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu), with contracts for the remaining 507 stations expected shortly.
The legal scrutiny intensified after senior counsel R. Shunmugasundaram raised concerns regarding the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC) in Coimbatore. While the DGP clarified that DVAC falls under the Human Resources Management (HRM) department, the court has demanded a separate report from the HRM Secretary regarding fund delays for DVAC offices.
| Feature | Old System (2013-2022) | New System (2025-26) |
|---|---|---|
| Storage Duration | 15 to 45 Days | 18 Months |
| Camera Tech | Standard CCTV | IP Cameras (Night Vision + Audio) |
| Coverage | Basic/Limited | Comprehensive (Lock-ups, Cabins, Hall) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many police stations are yet to be upgraded?
A: Out of 2,100 stations, 1,029 are still in the process of being upgraded or are awaiting installation.
Q2: Which agency is handling the technical installation?
A: The Electronics Corporation of Tamil Nadu (ELCOT) is the nodal agency executing the work.
