Telangana HC Seeks Report on Measures to Curb Spy Cameras Following NGO Plea

The Telangana High Court has directed the state government and the police department to consider a representation submitted by a Hyderabad based NGO, Heaven Homes Society, seeking strict implementation and enforcement of regulations concerning spy cameras. The court observed that the issue raised was sensitive in nature and required a detailed response from the authorities.

The direction was issued by Justice N. V. Shravan Kumar on Monday while hearing the petition, and the bench directed the authorities to place on record within two weeks the measures already taken by the state to address the concerns raised.

Taking note of the submissions, the High Court adjourned the matter to await the government’s report.

The proceedings stem from a representation made by the NGO through its founder, G. Varalakshmi, highlighting the growing menace of spy cameras in educational institutions and public spaces, and the urgent need for effective regulation to safeguard women and the general public.

The representation pointed out that while sporadic steps had been taken by government departments and the police in the past, there was a lack of sustained and uniform enforcement of directives, leaving citizens vulnerable.

According to the NGO, the issue had previously attracted the attention of authorities when the education department and the Hyderabad city police conducted an awareness programme at Raj Bhavan in April 2024 to sensitize stakeholders about the risks posed by spy cameras. Following this, another awareness session was organized in July 2024, targeting 300 NSS volunteers, to build a cadre of youth trained to identify and report such devices.

The representation further noted that a community polling event was subsequently held at Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), where students and members of the public deliberated on possible solutions to the problem.

Despite these initiatives, the NGO contended that there was little evidence of effective follow up. It highlighted that protests had taken place in certain institutions following incidents involving spy cameras, indicating widespread concern and anxiety.

The Telangana Women Safety Wing had earlier instructed police forces across the state to adopt strict enforcement measures and act decisively in cases where spy cameras were discovered. However, according to the representation, such directives were not effectively implemented at the ground level, thereby undermining the deterrent effect of the guidelines.

The High Court noted that the concerns raised involved questions of public safety and privacy, and underscored that a comprehensive affidavit from the government was necessary to ensure accountability.

The court directed both the state and the police department to examine the representation carefully, consider the suggestions made by the NGO, and place on record details of measures that had already been undertaken, as well as plans for stricter enforcement in the future. It was also emphasized that the matter could not be treated casually given its direct bearing on the safety of women and the public at large.

The order comes at a time when there is increasing public debate about privacy and surveillance technologies, particularly in the wake of incidents reported from educational institutions. The court's intervention highlights the judiciary’s role in monitoring executive action where citizen safety is at stake and in ensuring that existing directives are not left unimplemented.

The case will now be taken up after the state and police file their responses within the stipulated period, with the court expected to examine whether further directions are warranted to secure effective enforcement.

Inputs from The Times of India

Case Title: Heaven Homes Society v. State of Telangana & Ors.

Order Date: September 8, 2025

Bench: Justice N. V. Shravan Kumar