New Delhi, October 7 (Daily Kiran) : The Delhi High Court has instructed the government to treat a public interest litigation (PIL) advocating for mandatory body cameras for the Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force (RAF) as a formal request. This decision was made on October 7, 2026, during a hearing presided over by Acting Chief Justice Nitin Vasudev Sambre and Justice Arun Bhardwaj.
The court has mandated that the government establish a standard operating procedure (SOP) for the use of body cameras by police and RAF personnel during crowd control and protest management operations within the next six months. The PIL was filed by lawyer Chahat Raghav following protests at Jantar Mantar in July 2026, which involved the Cockroach People’s Party (CJP) and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.
Senior advocate Akhil Sibal, representing the petitioner, highlighted the inadequacies of the current system, which relies on external videographers positioned outside the crowd. He argued that there is no effective way to record the actions of personnel deployed to manage crowds. Sibal emphasized that the availability of body camera technology could enhance transparency and accountability during such operations.
He stated, “If technology is available, it can significantly aid in establishing accountability when necessary. This is distinct from facial recognition, which raises concerns about surveillance.”
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, representing the government, agreed that the PIL could be viewed as a representation and assured that a decision would be made within six months. He cited a Supreme Court ruling and the High Court’s regulations, noting that presenting a representation to relevant authorities is essential before exercising jurisdiction in a PIL.
The government also pointed out that guidelines for organizing protests already exist and that the current system includes videography. The petitioner can submit a representation requesting the establishment of an SOP for body cameras, which will be considered in accordance with the law.
Following the government’s agreement to review the issue as a representation and provide a decision within six months, the High Court concluded the PIL. This litigation arose after clashes during the protests in July, which left over 50 police and paramilitary personnel injured alongside student demonstrators.
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