The Telangana High Court on Monday directed the police department to submit a detailed report on the actions taken regarding the implementation of a circular aimed at preventing the use of illegal spy cameras, based on a petition filed by a social welfare organisation.
The writ petition, filed by ‘Heavens Home Society,’ sought to compel the state authorities to enforce a circular memo issued by the Office of the Director General, Women Safety Wing, Telangana. The circular, dated March 29, 2025, was a response to numerous media reports and criminal cases involving secretly placed spy cameras in girls’ hostels, malls, and hotels, which have reportedly traumatised many women.
The memo outlined several precautionary measures. It directed unit officers to identify and instruct sellers of spy cameras to display cautionary stickers. These stickers would inform purchasers about Section 66(E) of the Information Technology Act, which carries a penalty of up to three years in prison and a fine for illegally capturing or transmitting images of a person’s private area without consent.
Additionally, the circular reminded establishments suc as hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants of their obligation under the Telangana Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Act, 2013, to file a signed declaration confirming that all private spaces have been checked for such devices. It also warned that the jurisdictional Inspector of Police may at any time enter into any establishment and inspect the installation and functioning of the “public safety measures”. In case of any violations, the officer may send a report to the jurisdictional Assistant Commissioner of Police or Sub Divisional Police Officer, the circular stated.
According to the counsel for the petitioner, despite the circular’s issuance, there has been no significant on-the-ground action. The society had made representations on July 7 and July 10 to urge the implementation of the memo, but received no response.
Justice N V Shravan Kumar of the High Court, after considering the facts, ordered the Additional Director General of Police – Head, Women Safety Wing Telangana State Police, to review the society’s representations and file a comprehensive report detailing the action taken. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on September 22.
