SC raps Centre over CCTVs in offices of probe agencies case

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court Tuesday expressed displeasure over the Centre for “dragging its feet” by seeking more time on the issue pertaining to installation of CCTV cameras in the offices of investigating agencies including CBI, ED and NIA.

A bench headed by Justice R F Nariman, which observed that this issue concerns the rights of citizens, said it is not accepting the excuses given in the letter filed by the Centre seeking adjournment in the matter.

“We are getting a distinct impression that you are dragging your feet,” the bench, also comprising Justices B R Gavai and Hrishikesh Roy, told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta who was representing the Centre. The apex court had on December 2 last year directed the Centre to install CCTV cameras and recording equipment at the offices of investigating agencies -the Central Bureau of Investigation, National Investigation Agency, Enforcement Directorate, Narcotics Control Bureau, Department of Revenue Intelligence, Serious Fraud Investigation

Office and any other agency which carries out interrogations and has the power of arrest.

During the hearing conducted through video-conferencing on Tuesday, Mehta told the bench that adjournment has been sought as the matter may have ramifications.

“This concerns the rights of citizens,” the bench said, adding, “We are not accepting the excuses”.

Mehta sought some time from the bench to file an affidavit in the matter. The court granted three week time to the Centre to file an affidavit on the issue.