Bihar Introduces Public Surveillance Bill for Crime Control, Raises Privacy Concerns

Bihar is introducing a new legislation on public surveillance to help the government better manage crime, safeguard public property and people, uphold law and order, keep track of offenders visually, and promote a safe atmosphere.

Additionally, it aims to enhance "preventive policing" in order to address terrorist attacks and other security concerns, monitor unlawful activity and crime rates, support investigations, gather scientific evidence, and assist in the prosecution of offenders.

The Bihar Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Bill, 2024 draft was presented by the state administration to the Legislative Assembly and Council on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the law was passed by the cabinet.

It may be approved during the legislature's current budget session, which concludes on March 1.

"Public assistance and participation is necessary for the state government to become capable in the public surveillance system for crime control and maintaining a security environment," chief minister Nitish Kumar said, outlining the goals and objectives of the law.

"The Bihar Public Safety (Measures) Bill, 2024 must be passed in order to install security-related equipment, such as CCTV cameras, at commercial centers, hospitals, banks, sports complexes, educational institutions, religious sites, and other locations throughout the state," Nitish continued.

Any location where there is a chance of a public gathering and where a number of people arrive and depart is considered an installation. Residential apartments and any other location or organization that is periodically informed by the state government will also be included.

The measure mandates that property owners in the state install CCTV cameras and other public surveillance systems at their own expense and provide authorized law enforcement and police authorities access to at least 30 days' worth of video footage.

Owners will be responsible for installing and maintaining the surveillance systems; failure to do so will result in penalties and fines.

Public safety committees, which will be established by the state government, will determine whether establishments or establishments fall within the purview of the proposed legislation. Subcommittees might be established in order to guarantee better implementation.

Bail on Rabri

In the railways' land-for-jobs case, a Delhi court on Wednesday granted bail to former Bihar chief minister Rabri Devi and her daughters, Misa Bharti and Hema Yadav, according to PTI.

The oldest child of RJD president Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, Misa Bharti is a Bihar-born member of the Rajya Sabha.

The three were given relief by Special Judge Vishal Gogne after the ED declined to object to the bail requests.