The Delhi High Court has directed the Chief Secretary to address a representation by BJP MLA Abhay Verma within two weeks, following claims that the Delhi government is favoring certain constituencies for CCTV installations.
In his petition, Verma, the legislator from Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar, alleged that the Public Works Department (PWD) has been employing a pick and choose policy, installing CCTVs predominantly in areas represented by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders.
The Bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, chose not to engage in a judicial review of the plea but mandated that the Chief Secretary and PWD resolve the issue within the specified timeframe.
Verma’s petition noted that his previous request to the Chief Secretary had gone unanswered.
Verma’s plea highlights concerns over the law-and-order situation in Laxmi Nagar, asserting that the lack of CCTV coverage jeopardizes resident safety.
The petition points to a specific instance where AAP councillor Shweta Nigam’s request for 1,000 cameras in her ward was promptly approved, resulting in the installation of 1,011 cameras.
In contrast, officials reportedly neglected the Laxmi Nagar constituency, which Verma represents, despite Bharat Electronics Limited recommending 2,066 cameras for the area.
The Delhi government’s plan involves the installation of 140,000 CCTV cameras across the national capital, with an aim to equip each of the 70 Assembly constituencies with 2,000 cameras.
Verma’s allegations suggest a discrepancy in the implementation of this plan, raising questions about the equitable distribution of surveillance infrastructure.
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