Essay – Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy?
Are law enforcement cameras an invasion of privacy? Essay: Privacy is defined as an individual’s or group’s right against the intrusion of the general public or unnecessary publicity of matters that are regarded as personal in nature by the concerned individual. The Right to Privacy was recognized as a Fundamental Right as it was indoctrinated in Article 21 of part iii of the Indian Constitution after the path-breaking declaration of Chief Justice Khehar led bench on 24 August 2017. The unprecedented judgment from the Apex Court of the country ignited debates and deliberations on the legality of public monitoring cameras that might be a source of privacy for the general public.
Discussion
The fundamental Right to Privacy permits individuals to be left to themselves protecting them against violation of personal space by interference. This liberty is granted in accordance to the individual’s relation to their social setting, and their interaction with legal authority personnel and common civilians. Despite the provisions of the right to privacy, the general public as well as legal authorities were divided upon their opinions.
The proponents of enforcing cameras stated that legal and focused monitoring of individuals or groups of people considered to be apprehensive of committing a crime can facilitate the maintenance of law and order. Cameras through video analysis can detect persons indulging in crimes such as theft of money in ATM machines. The examination of analysis of CCTV footage from ATMs of two private banks aided the Kolkata Police in identifying and arresting three individuals who allegedly stole Rs.2 Crores. On the contrary, opponents of enforcing cameras have suggested unchecked use of cameras. The existing laws and policy agreements In India which permit monitoring involve possibilities of exploitation and malpractices. Indian scenario for camera surveillance is different from more developed countries like the USA and UK as the former lacks principles of legality and authentic objectives. The nation has failed to establish sufficient protection in case of violation of privacy due to cameras for the lack of an authorized process of usage, user notification of the camera, accountability of users, public agreement and proper remedies in cases of malpractices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the installation of CCTV cameras can be a boon if their use is supervised and persons vested with the authority to administer the video footage derived from the cameras are held accountable. Public transparency should be the most essential aspect of considering if the installation of cameras is justified and completely devoid of the scope of violating the privacy of individuals. The judicial system needs to order the efficient functioning of cyber security forces and efficiency should be guaranteed in case of violation of the rights of privacy. The fundamental right to privacy was a major legal breakthrough for the protection of common civilian dignity.
FAQs
Q1. When was the Right to Privacy given constitutional status in India?
Ans: The Right to Privacy was recognized as a Fundamental Right as it was indoctrinated in Article 21 of part iii of the Indian Constitution after the path-breaking declaration of Chief Justice Khehar led bench on 24 August 2017.
Q2. In which part is the Right to Privacy encoded in the constitution?
Ans: The Right to Privacy was recognized as a Fundamental Right as it was indoctrinated in Article 21 of part iii of the Indian Constitution.
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