Ranchi, September 24, 2026: The Jharkhand High Court has expressed strong displeasure over non-functional CCTV cameras installed at police stations in Ranchi district. Hearing a Habeas Corpus petition filed by Firoz Ansari, Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad directed the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ranchi, to inspect the status of CCTV cameras installed at all police stations in the district.
The court directed that wherever CCTV cameras are found to be non-functional, they must be repaired immediately and made fully operational.
What is the Case About?
The matter relates to the Doranda Police Station area in Ranchi. Petitioner Firoz Ansari approached the High Court seeking the release of his children from alleged illegal detention and their production before the court.
According to the petition, the petitioner’s children were allegedly kept at the police station for four days without registration of any FIR.
The petitioner further claimed that after he approached the High Court with a Habeas Corpus petition, the police informed the court that the children had been sent to jail.
Court Had Sought CCTV Footage
During an earlier hearing, the High Court had directed the Officer-in-Charge of Doranda Police Station to produce CCTV footage for the relevant period.
During the hearing, the Officer-in-Charge informed the court that the CCTV footage for the concerned period could not be provided because the CCTV camera at the police station was not functioning at that time.
The court expressed strong displeasure over the situation and observed that continuous functioning of CCTV cameras at police stations is essential. CCTV footage helps monitor police activities and can also be crucial for ensuring a fair investigation in sensitive cases.
The court directed the Ranchi SSP to inspect CCTV systems at all police stations in the district, immediately repair non-functional cameras, and ensure their continuous operation.
Advocate Suraj Kishore Prasad appeared on behalf of the petitioner. The High Court will hear the matter again on Monday.
