Jharkhand News : The Jharkhand High Court has taken a strong view over the failure to comply with its order on installing CCTV cameras in police stations across the state. The court issued a contempt notice to the Director General of Police (DGP) and asked why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for non-compliance with the court’s order.
The court directed the DGP to file an affidavit explaining the matter. The next hearing has been scheduled for September 17.
The High Court also questioned why CCTV cameras have still not been installed in police stations in Jharkhand despite its earlier directions. It has directed the state government to install CCTV cameras in police stations within four weeks.
Court Asks Chief Secretary and Home Secretary to Act
The court said the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary should take its directions seriously. It also asked them to ensure that the DGP gives serious attention to the implementation of the court’s order.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice MS Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar heard the matter on Thursday. The case relates to a suo motu public interest litigation registered over the alleged assault on Tarun Mahato, a former candidate of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, in police custody.
Seraikela SP Asked About CCTV Installation
During the previous hearing, the court had asked the Seraikela SP to provide details of the action taken to install CCTV cameras in police stations in the district.
The court had also sought a response from the Principal Secretary of the Health Department regarding action against the medical officer who had issued a fit for custody certificate when Tarun Mahato was produced before the court.
Government Gives No Reply on Action Against Medical Officer
During Thursday’s hearing, the government did not provide any response regarding action against the concerned medical officer. The court expressed its displeasure over the absence of a reply.
The court had earlier sought details from the authorities on the matter. It has now also asked the DGP to submit a clear response and an affidavit regarding compliance with the CCTV installation order.
Tarun Mahato Was Taken Into Custody on November 19, 2025
Tarun Mahato had contested the 2024 election as a candidate of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha from Ichagarh. According to the allegations, Ichagarh police took him into custody and brought him to the police station on the night of November 19, 2025.
It was alleged that he was brutally beaten in custody and subjected to torture using third-degree methods. His wife later wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court regarding the matter.
High Court Took Suo Motu Cognisance
The Jharkhand High Court took suo motu cognisance after receiving the letter written by Tarun Mahato’s wife. During an earlier hearing, the court had also directed the Seraikela SP to appear with relevant documents.
The High Court has now taken a strict view of the non-compliance with its CCTV installation order and issued a contempt notice to the DGP.
