A BJP MLA has filed a plea in the Delhi High Court, accusing the Delhi government of biased installation of CCTV cameras.
The complaint alleges that the Aam Aadmi Party government is prioritizing areas represented by AAP MLAs and councillors while neglecting those represented by BJP leaders.
The case, brought forward by Abhay Verma, the MLA from Laxmi Nagar, claims that although Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia announced the installation of 1,40,000 CCTV cameras across the city, his constituency was unfairly excluded. A survey by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) had recommended 2,066 cameras for Laxmi Nagar, but installation has reportedly been selective, benefiting only areas under AAP representatives.
Verma, through his lawyer Advocate Satya Ranjan Swain, asserts that despite making multiple requests to the Chief Secretary of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, his constituency’s needs have been ignored. He points out that while an AAP councillor’s request for 1,000 cameras was quickly approved, similar requests for other wards in Laxmi Nagar were disregarded.
The petition argues that this selective installation of cameras is compromising the safety and security of areas not represented by AAP, adversely affecting law and order. Verma seeks a court order to ensure that CCTV cameras are installed equitably across all wards of Laxmi Nagar to enhance security.
Advocate Swain, representing Verma, also challenges the approval process for such projects. He argues that the requirement for ministerial approval after the Assembly has passed a proposal gives ministers undue discretion, enabling them to selectively approve projects.
This practice, according to the petition, undermines democratic principles and unfairly disadvantages constituencies represented by opposition parties, ultimately hindering their development.
The High Court is scheduled to hear the case on August 27. Verma is calling for reforms to eliminate unnecessary approvals, which he believes would promote fairness and enhance overall development across the state.
