Supreme Court Orders Preservation of CCTV and Police Orders in Delhi Protest Cases

The Supreme Court directed Delhi Police to produce prohibitory orders issued under Section 163 BNSS and ordered preservation of CCTV footage and other digital records connected with recent protests.

Background and dispute

A batch of petitions alleges unlawful detentions, excessive policing, restrictions on movement and interruptions to communications during demonstrations concerning the Chief Election Commissioner. The authorities dispute allegations of unlawful conduct.

Legal issue and court’s approach

Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi sought replies from the government and police. Preservation of records protects the evidentiary basis for examining competing versions; it is not a finding that officers committed misconduct.

Order and practical consequence

The Court will assess the legality of restrictions after responses and documentary material are placed on record.