Ranchi: The Jharkhand High Court has issued a contempt notice to the Director General of Police (DGP) for alleged non-compliance with its order directing the installation of CCTV cameras in all police stations across the state.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice M S Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar asked the DGP to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against her for failing to comply with the court’s order. The bench also directed her to file an affidavit detailing the status of compliance. The matter will next be heard on September 17.
The court passed the order on Thursday while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation (PIL) concerning the alleged custodial assault of Tarun Mahto, a former Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) candidate.
During the hearing, the bench expressed displeasure over the lack of progress in implementing its earlier direction to install CCTV cameras in all police stations in Jharkhand. The court questioned the DGP as to why steps had not been taken to comply with the order and sought a clear status report on its implementation.
The bench orally cautioned the authorities against creating a situation where the court would be compelled to take stringent action. The court also directed the Chief Secretary and Home Secretary to take its directions seriously and ensure that the order was complied with.
The officials, along with the DGP, were asked to take the matter seriously and ensure necessary action.
Reply on action against medical officer awaited
In the previous hearing, the court had sought details from the Superintendent of Police, Seraikela-Kharsawan, regarding steps taken to install CCTV cameras in police stations in the district.
The court had also sought a response from the Principal Secretary, Health Department, on the action taken against the medical officer who had certified Mahto as “fit for custody” when he was produced before the court.
HC took suo motu cognisance of custodial assault
Mahto had contested the 2024 Assembly elections from Ichagarh as a JLKM candidate. His wife had alleged that he was picked up by Ichagarh police on the night of November 19, 2025, and taken to the police station, where he was brutally assaulted in custody.
She subsequently wrote to the Chief Justice of the High Court, following which the court took suo motu cognisance of the allegations and initiated proceedings.
In an earlier hearing, the High Court had also directed the Seraikela-Kharsawan SP to appear before it along with relevant documents in connection with the case.
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