Kulgam, Aug 5: In a significant move aimed at strengthening public safety, enhancing crime prevention and improving surveillance infrastructure, the District Magistrate Kulgam has issued an order making the installation, operation and maintenance of CCTV surveillance systems mandatory in a wide range of public, commercial, financial and institutional establishments across the district. The order, issued on August 4, 2026, has been promulgated under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023. Mandatory installation of CCTVs reg.
According to the order, the decision has been taken after reviewing the prevailing security situation in consultation with the district police and other security agencies. The administration observed that CCTV surveillance has become an essential tool for preventing crime, maintaining public order, protecting life and property, regulating crowds, managing traffic and collecting reliable electronic evidence during investigations. Mandatory installation of CCTVs reg.
The order applies to all banks, financial institutions, ATMs, jewellery shops, petrol pumps, shopping complexes, retail stores, hotels, guest houses, restaurants, educational institutions, hospitals, religious places, cinema halls, transport hubs, government offices, warehouses and other notified establishments across Kulgam district, including all tehsil and sub-divisional headquarters. Mandatory installation of CCTVs reg.
Under the directions, all covered establishments have been instructed to install fully functional CCTV surveillance systems within 15 days from the date of issuance of the order. The cameras must cover all entry and exit points, reception areas, waiting halls, cash counters, customer interaction points, corridors, staircases, parking spaces, storage areas and the immediate surroundings of the establishments wherever technically feasible. Mandatory installation of CCTVs reg.
The administration has also prescribed technical standards, directing that CCTV systems should operate round the clock throughout the year, capture clear and identifiable high-quality footage, include date and time stamping, provide night vision wherever required, and have uninterrupted power backup to ensure continuous functioning. Mandatory installation of CCTVs reg.
As per the order, all establishments must preserve CCTV recordings for a minimum period of 30 days and ensure that the footage remains secure against tampering, deletion or unauthorized access. Owners or persons in charge will be required to produce CCTV footage and related information to police, magistrates or other competent authorities whenever lawfully demanded for investigation, inquiry or security-related purposes. Mandatory installation of CCTVs reg.
The responsibility for installation, operation and maintenance of CCTV systems has been placed entirely on the owners, occupiers, managements and heads of the respective establishments. The Senior Superintendent of Police, Kulgam, has been directed to ensure strict implementation of the order through all Station House Officers, who will conduct periodic inspections and submit compliance reports to the district administration. Trade bodies, market associations, educational institutions and other stakeholders have also been asked to assist in ensuring compliance. Mandatory installation of CCTVs reg.
The order further warns that any person or institution found violating or disobeying the directions will be liable for prosecution and penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, in addition to any other action permissible under law. The directions have come into force with immediate effect and will remain valid for 60 days, unless withdrawn, modified or extended earlier in accordance with law. Mandatory installation of CCTVs reg.(KNC)
