Delhi HC PIL Seeks Mandatory Body Cameras for Police and RAF
A new PIL in Delhi High Court seeks mandatory body-worn cameras for Delhi Police and RAF during protests to ensure accountability and objective records.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court seeking a mandate for the use of body-worn cameras (BWCs) by Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel during crowd control and protest duties.
The petition, moved by Chahat Raghav, follows recent unrest and demonstrations held at Jantar Mantar in July 2026, including protests involving climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
Ensuring Accountability During Protests
The petitioner argues that current documentation of police interactions during protests relies heavily on mobile-phone recordings captured by bystanders. This lack of official, continuous footage makes it difficult to verify competing allegations of misconduct.
According to the plea, while there have been accusations of excessive force by law enforcement, there have also been reports of protesters attacking police and engaging in vandalism. The petitioner contends that mandatory body cameras would provide an objective, authenticated record of events, helping to establish accountability for both sides.
Bridging the Gap in Documentation
The PIL highlights a significant gap in current policing protocols. While a 2022 Delhi Police Standing Order allows for third-party videography during rallies, the petitioner argues this is insufficient. Third-party recordings often fail to capture the direct perspective and continuous flow of events from the personnel involved in the frontline crowd-control operations.
The petition draws attention to specific incidents on July 21, 2026, where public footage showed injuries to both police and protesters. It further cites a review meeting held on July 23, where the Inspector General of the RAF reportedly acknowledged that certain force used during deployment did not meet prescribed standards.
Proposed Framework for Video Evidence
The legal challenge does not just ask for the hardware; it seeks a comprehensive mechanism to govern the use of these cameras. This includes:
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Clear rules for when and how cameras should be used during crowd control.
- Data Integrity: Strict regulations regarding the storage, retention, and security of recorded footage.
- Evidentiary Use: A framework to ensure recordings can serve as authenticated evidence in courts and during official scrutiny.
The petitioner noted that the Delhi Police has already taken steps toward this technology, having floated a tender via the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to procure 1,500 body-worn cameras at an estimated cost of approximately ₹7.4 crore.
Legal Precedents and Respondents
In supporting the plea, the petitioner cited observations from the Supreme Court regarding the utility of body-worn cameras and referenced the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, which contains provisions regarding the audio-video recording of search and seizure operations.
The respondents named in this litigation include the Union of India, the Commissioner of Delhi Police, the Director General of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D).