"ROLL BACK CCTV MANDATE IMMEDIATELY": CITIZENS REJECT "POLICE STATE" MOVE BY CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR COMMISSIONER.

CITIZENS DEMAND REVOCATION OF CCTV MANDATE ORDER ISSUED ON JULY 8, 2026.

There is strong public backlash against the order issued by the Commissioner of Police, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on July 8, 2026 under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, making CCTV installation compulsory.

WHO IS COVERED UNDER THE ORDER:

The mandate forces CCTV installation on:  

Banks, ATMs, financial institutions, jewellery shops, hotels, guest houses, restaurants, bars, pubs, wine and beer shops, residential towers, office buildings, new constructions, petrol pumps, shopping malls, supermarkets, gyms, stadiums, cinema halls, educational institutions, religious places, hospitals, and various trusts and organizations.

This is expected to put a financial burden of crores of rupees on thousands of traders, institutions, and citizens.

KEY OBJECTIONS RAISED:

Constitutional Duty vs Private Burden.

   Maintaining law and order is the state’s constitutional responsibility. Shifting this financial burden to private citizens, traders and institutions is not justified.

Misuse of Section 163 BNSS:

   Section 163 is meant for temporary emergency situations. Using it to impose general administrative restrictions is an excess of authority.

60-Day Order, Crores in Cost

 The order is valid for only 60 days. If CCTV is essential for public safety, the state government should frame a permanent policy and fund it.  

  For small traders, installing CCTV, maintaining it, storing 15 days of footage, and covering a 50-meter radius is *financially impossible* in such a short time.

Fear of Criminal Action :

   Non-compliance can lead to an FIR under Section 223 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 a cognizable offence with police powers to arrest without warrant and up to 6 months imprisonment. This has created fear among citizens.

No Consultation: 

   The order was issued without consulting trade associations, industry bodies, educational, religious or civil organizations.

ALLEGATIONS OF COMMERCIAL BENEFIT:

Instead of installing CCTV at key junctions and sensitive areas with government funds, the entire financial responsibility has been shifted to private establishments. This raises questions and suspicion of hundreds of crores in benefits to the CCTV industry.

DEMANDS:

Citizens and organizations demand:

Immediate cancellation of the July 8, 2026 order.Highlevel inquiry into the legal validity of the order. Consultation with all stakeholders before framing any future policy.State-funded CCTV plan for public safety if it is truly essential.

PUBLIC STAND:

"In a democracy, public safety is the government's subject. We will not accept any attempt to build a 'police state' by putting a burden on citizens' pockets. The administration must respect public interest, the Constitution and democratic values."