The Centre’s submission before the Supreme Court on an umbrella scheme for modernising police forces is a step in the right direction, but it also underscores a familiar pattern—policy intent moving faster than on-ground execution. While the proposal sent on July 8 awaits approval, the very fact that the apex court continues to monitor basic requirements such as functional CCTV cameras in police stations reflects systemic gaps that have persisted despite clear judicial directions since 2018.
The installation and maintenance of CCTVs is not merely a technological upgrade but a cornerstone of accountability in policing. The Supreme Court’s repeated interventions—mandating coverage across police stations, entry and exit points, lock-ups, and even central agencies—highlight the importance of surveillance in preventing custodial violence and safeguarding human rights. Yet, delays in implementation, patchy maintenance, and uneven utilisation of funds by states reveal that the issue is less about resources and more about administrative will and prioritisation.
If the proposed modernisation scheme is to be meaningful, it must go beyond budgetary allocations and focus on measurable outcomes—fully functional surveillance systems, transparent monitoring mechanisms, and strict accountability for lapses. The Centre and states must treat police reforms as an urgent governance priority rather than a compliance exercise triggered by court scrutiny. Without sustained commitment, even the most well-funded schemes risk becoming yet another addition to the long list of unfulfilled reforms.