Delhi High Court urged to mandate body cameras for police officers

A petition filed in Delhi High Court has sought to make the use of body cameras mandatory for police officers, particularly those deployed during protest management and security operations. The filing follows allegations of harassment by law enforcement personnel during recent demonstrations in the capital.

According to the petition, body cameras have already been issued to some police personnel handling crowd management duties and stationed at security checkpoints around protest sites and roads leading to key locations. The plea argues that standardizing and mandating the use of such cameras across all relevant operations would enhance accountability and transparency in policing.

Proponents of the measure contend that body-worn cameras serve as objective documentation of police conduct during sensitive operations, potentially reducing complaints of misconduct and providing evidentiary support in disputed incidents. The cameras would record interactions between law enforcement and protesters, creating an independent record of events as they unfold.

The petition highlights concerns about alleged excessive force and harassment during protest situations, suggesting that mandatory body camera usage could deter inappropriate conduct and provide crucial evidence if misconduct claims arise. Advocates argue the technology represents a standard practice adopted by police forces in several jurisdictions to improve public trust and officer accountability.