Delhi Police denies 'intrusive surveillance' of 'Cockroach' protest, says videography for law and order

Delhi Police has firmly denied allegations of 'intrusive surveillance' at the ongoing 'Cockroach' protest in Jantar Mantar. The force told the Delhi High Court on Monday that the videography being conducted at the site is strictly for maintaining law and order.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the police, argued before the court that the recordings are not meant for snooping. 'This is not for surveillance in the intrusive sense. It is a routine measure to ensure public safety and prevent any breach of peace,' he submitted.

High Court Questions Surveillance Norms

The Delhi High Court, however, did not fully accept the explanation without scrutiny. The bench asked the police whether established surveillance norms were being followed during the protest.

'Are surveillance norms being followed?' the court queried, expressing concern over the extent of monitoring. The judges sought clarity on who is being recorded, for how long the footage is being stored, and what safeguards exist to prevent misuse.

The court's intervention came after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed alleging that the police were conducting blanket surveillance of protesters, violating their right to privacy. The petitioner argued that the 'Cockroach' protest, named after the insect often used as a symbol for corruption, has been under constant watch.

Police Defend Videography as Routine

Delhi Police insisted that the videography is part of standard operating procedure. 'We record all major protests to have evidence in case of any untoward incident. It is not targeted or intrusive,' a police spokesperson said outside the court.

The police further said that the cameras are placed at public vantage points and do not capture private conversations or activities. 'The recordings are used only for law enforcement purposes. They are not shared or used for any other reason,' the spokesperson added.

Solicitor General Mehta echoed this stance, telling the court that the police have no intention of snooping on citizens exercising their democratic right to protest. 'The state has a duty to maintain order. This is a lawful exercise of that duty,' he said.

Privacy Concerns Linger

Despite the assurances, privacy rights activists remain skeptical. The High Court's pointed questions suggest that the issue may not be settled yet. The bench has asked for detailed affidavits from the police on the technical aspects of the surveillance.

The 'Cockroach' protest, which has been running for several days at Jantar Mantar, has drawn attention for its symbolic name and the government's response. The protesters, a mix of activists and citizens, allege corruption in public life and demand accountability.

The police have not disclosed the exact number of cameras or the duration of footage retention. Officials have neither confirmed nor denied whether any individual protester has been specifically tracked.

The next hearing in the Delhi High Court is expected to take place later this week. The court will examine whether the police's videography practices align with the Supreme Court's privacy judgment and existing surveillance guidelines.