Proposal sent for in-principle approval of scheme for modernisation of police forces: Centre to SC

The Union government informed the Supreme Court on August 5, 2026, that a proposal seeking in-principle approval for an umbrella scheme aimed at modernising police forces nationwide had been submitted to the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance. Additional Solicitor General Rajkumar Bhaskar Thakare, representing the Centre, stated that the proposal was forwarded on July 8, 2026, and was still under consideration. This update came during a suo motu proceeding initiated in 2025 following the court's attention to a media report highlighting non-functional CCTV cameras at police stations in Udaipur, Rajasthan. The court had previously reviewed the implementation of its 2021 judgment in Paramvir Singh Saini v. Baljit Singh, which required the installation of CCTV cameras at specific locations within police stations, including entry and exit points, lock-ups, corridors, reception areas, and the rooms of Inspectors and Sub-Inspectors. During the proceedings, Justice Sandeep Mehta questioned whether the proposed umbrella scheme would address only infrastructure improvements or also encompass the enhancement of human resources. Mr. Thakare clarified that the initiative was designed to comprehensively modernise the police force, including the installation of CCTV cameras. The Bench described this development as “significant progress” and instructed the Centre to submit detailed information via an affidavit within two weeks. The next hearing was scheduled for September 1. Additionally, the court was informed that the Assistance to States and Union Territories for Modernisation of Police scheme, which provides financial support for CCTV infrastructure, had been extended until March 31, 2027. Senior advocate Siddhartha Dave, acting as amicus curiae, raised concerns that certain states were requesting funds for additional police vehicles rather than focusing on modern equipment and scientific investigative methods. He emphasized that modernisation should involve acquiring advanced tools and technologies to strengthen investigative capabilities. Justice Mehta concurred, stating that the emphasis should be on procuring sophisticated equipment and methodologies to enhance forensic investigations. As a result, the Bench tasked the amicus curiae with examining compliance affidavits from state governments regarding the installation of CCTV cameras and identifying any jurisdictions that had not adhered to the court’s directives by the next hearing date. The court’s directive to install CCTV cameras in police stations originated in 2018, when it issued an order to prevent human rights violations. In December 2020, the court expanded its mandate to include the offices of investigative agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation, the Enforcement Directorate, and the National Investigation Agency. The court specified that CCTV systems must feature night vision and capture both audio and visual footage. Furthermore, it mandated that the Centre, states, and union territories procure systems capable of storing data for at least one year. These measures were meant to ensure comprehensive coverage and transparency within police premises. The ongoing efforts to modernise police infrastructure reflect broader challenges in aligning state-level implementations with judicial mandates. While the Centre has allocated significant financial support, offering 100% funding in union territories and 90% in hilly states, the distribution of responsibility among states varies. Some states receive only 60% of the funding, requiring them to contribute the remaining 40%. The court has consistently monitored these developments, noting that most states have made substantial progress in installing CCTV systems. However, discrepancies remain in how funds are utilised, with some states reportedly prioritising vehicle acquisitions over essential technological upgrades. As the legal process continues, the outcome of the upcoming hearing will determine the extent to which the proposed umbrella scheme addresses systemic gaps in police modernisation. The court’s insistence on accountability underscores the growing recognition of the need for technologically advanced policing frameworks to safeguard public safety and uphold constitutional rights. The next steps will likely involve further clarification on the scope of the modernisation plan and its alignment with the judiciary’s long-standing objectives.