Recently, the Supreme Court of India rejected a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking central to frame guidelines for installation of CCTV cameras in all vehicles across the country.

The matter was heard before the division bench of Justice SK Kaul and Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia

Further, it includes implementation of Section 136-A of the Motor Vehicles Act, which requires the installation of body cams and dash cams in public vehicles.

During the hearing, the Court said –

"You want this court to monitor where all cameras will be put, regulate traffic, call all states? Sorry, it's a matter to be looked into by the executive."

Advocate Anando Mukherjee, counsel for the petitioner argued that making CCTV cameras mandatory in all public and private vehicles, with strict penalties for non-compliance, would act as a deterrent for future incidents and facilitate quick and fair resolutions of such cases. 

The petitioner sought a writ of mandamus to direct the Union of India and State Governments to frame regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act, mandating the use of dashboard cameras and rear-view cameras in all vehicles. Such a directive was considered essential to curb and apprehend those involved in road violations and accidents, thereby safeguarding the life and liberty rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.

Additionally, Rule 167-A in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1987, outlines the requirements for electronic monitoring and enforcement of road security to be implemented by State governments.