Everybody is secure in India, Delhi, says HC sarcastically

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sarcastically said that "everybody is secure" in India and Delhi and "citizens are to be blamed for the crime", while expressing disappointment on central government and police for not taking adequate steps for the safety of citizens.

"Everybody is secure in this country and this state. Government need not be blamed. Delhi is safe. If you get murdered or crime occur, you are responsible. According to them, women are responsible for the crime against them... its very disappointing," said a division bench of Justice B.D. Ahmed and Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva.

The court's observation came after Delhi Police told it that it has decided to carry out a pilot project on installing CCTV cameras in 10 police stations. Objecting to this, the court said in 2003-04 , police had already installed cameras in 108 police station so "why this pilot project in ten police stations?"

"Even in 2003-04 CCTV cameras have been installed by Delhi police in 108 police station. That was 13 years ago. Its surprising that even after having an experience of 13 years now Delhi Police wants to carry out a pilot project in 10 police stations, that too without timeline," said the bench.

The CCTV cameras in 108 police stations have also not been working, police told the court.

After police told the court that technical committee is looking into the issue of installation of CCTV cameras, the court quipped: "Police lagging behind technically and criminals are way ahead in technology. Why don't you shut down the office? Its really very disappointing."

Earlier, the high court had asked police to file its response on whether CCTV cameras have been installed in police stations, particularly those covering 44 "red flagged" locations identified as sensitive based on an extensive crime mapping exercise.

On recruitment of additional police force in Delhi Police, the government expressed inability saying as per 2014 data, the ratio of policeman and people was 1:241, which has improved. However, the court asked the government to place before it the the recommended police/person ration in Delhi.

The court was hearing a PIL initiated by it after the December 16, 2012 gangrape incident in which it has been giving directions on the issues of women safety including appointing more police personnel, setting up additional forensic labs and a victim compensation fund.