Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'CCTV in courts?' that was published in Newsband

CCTV in courts?

The Supreme Court has favoured the installation of CCTV cameras in all courts. This is certain to boost transparency within our courts. CCTV cameras will prove the point that we need more courts and judges.

Adequate attention needs to be given to procedural propriety and reforms. This can be ensured by installing CCTV cameras in courts. This will keep a check on everyone within courtroom including judges, advocates and police, and encourage responsible behaviour on all sides. Additionally, it will reduce unequal treatment meted out to different parties, threats by any person to witnesses and absence of lawyers at important stages of the proceedings.

In-video proceedings of court will add to the court's efficiency. But, it is the fear from anti-social elements that makes the judges not want video recording of the court proceedings. Who will protect them outside the court? The people in judiciary too are human beings. We must admit that we are ruled mostly by rowdies everywhere now.

But in the long run it will be good to have more transparency in the judiciary. There is need of CCTV cameras in police stations too and also in Parliaments and Legislative Assemblies and Municipal Corporations. This will ensure transparency at the highest level.

This facility should also be extended to all government functions - anyone should be able to check CCTV and data and record conversations of politicians and babus.

We often complain of judicial delays, but the courts work under tremendous constraints. Overburdened. This will be proved by the footages of CCTV cameras if installed in the court.