What happened

A High Court-related matter has stressed that CCTV footage connected to an incident under inquiry should be preserved. The court’s direction highlights the importance of safeguarding video evidence because such material can support investigation and later judicial scrutiny.

Why the issue matters

CCTV footage is often treated as a form of electronic evidence in criminal and administrative inquiries. If such footage is destroyed or overwritten, investigation agencies and courts may lose material evidence that can clarify events, fix responsibility, or protect against wrongful implication.

Background and earlier position

Indian courts have repeatedly treated documentary and electronic records as relevant evidence when they are properly preserved and authenticated. The legal framework for electronic records comes from the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, which was later replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023, while criminal procedure rules continue to require fair investigation and collection of evidence.

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