The Jharkhand High Court has issued a show-cause notice to Additional Chief Secretary Vandana Dhadel, asking why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated against her over delays in installing CCTV cameras in police stations across the state. The order was passed after the Director General of Police (DGP) stated that she lacked independent authority to direct the installation of cameras.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice M.S. Sonak and Justice Manoj Prasad expressed concern over repeated delays in implementing judicial directions and called upon senior state officials to take responsibility.
Background
The proceedings arise from a public interest litigation concerning custodial deaths in Jharkhand. In an earlier PIL, W.P.(PIL) No. 1218 of 2022, the Court had examined the issue and noted government data showing 427 custodial deaths between 2018 and 2026.
The present matter concerns compliance with directions to install CCTV cameras in police stations. Following an earlier order dated August 27, 2026, the DGP filed an affidavit on September 11, 2026, reiterating that the Home, Prison and Disaster Management Department was the competent authority to take the necessary decision.
The High Court was not satisfied with the explanation offered by the DGP. It observed that the authorities had repeatedly cited tender processes, proposed deadlines and subsequent cancellations, with fresh tenders being contemplated each time.
The Bench noted that such a pattern had already come to the Court's attention in earlier proceedings. It expressed concern that responsibility was being shifted between departments rather than ensuring compliance with judicial directions.
The Court observed,
“At least prima facie, we get the impression of a systematic effort to delay, if not outright disobedience.”
It further remarked that assurances of unconditional apologies and statements that officials could not contemplate disobeying court orders appeared unconvincing when considered against the repeated delays.
The Bench emphasised that the reported number of custodial deaths made timely installation of CCTV cameras in police stations particularly important.
After considering the DGP's affidavit, the Court issued notice to Vandana Dhadel, the Additional Chief Secretary heading the Home, Prison and Disaster Management Department, asking her to explain why action under the Contempt of Courts Act should not be initiated against her.
The DGP was permitted to file a further affidavit by October 14, 2026. The Advocate General also sought time until that date to submit the state's timeline for completing CCTV installation across all police stations.
The Court directed the Chief Secretary to assume responsibility and file an affidavit, clarifying that an affidavit from JAP-IT or any contractor would not be accepted.
The matter was listed for further hearing on October 15, 2026.
