The Allahabad High Court has observed that private CCTV cameras cannot be installed or positioned in a manner that interferes with a neighbour’s privacy. The Court made the observation while disposing of a writ petition filed by Yogendra Maurya concerning the positioning of a CCTV camera by his neighbour.
A Division Bench of Justice Ajit Kumar and Justice Garima Prashad was hearing the petitioner's grievance that the camera exposed the entry and exit points of his house, thereby affecting the privacy of people visiting or leaving the premises.
The petitioner contended that the camera's positioning violated his privacy. After hearing the matter, the Bench emphasised that surveillance must not interfere with the privacy of neighbouring residents.
The Bench clarified that private CCTV cameras must be installed and directed in a way that does not intrude upon the privacy of neighbouring residents.
However, the Bench did not directly order the removal of the CCTV camera. Instead, it directed the petitioner to approach the concerned District Magistrate.
The Bench directed that if the petitioner approaches the concerned District Magistrate with an application, the authority must examine the request and pass an appropriate decision within one month.
Accordingly, the writ petition was disposed of. Advocate Akhilesh Singh Yadav appeared for the petitioner.
