In a recent incident that took place outside the Wazirganj police station in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, two youths found themselves in hot water after creating a video reel on the premises. The Gonda Police acted swiftly, arresting the duo for their actions. This incident stirred up a debate among netizens, who questioned whether filming videos at a police station was unlawful or prohibited.
तू भी शराफत से जी रहा था, रील के चक्कर में निकल गई है हेकड़ी,
थाने के अंदर रील बनाना बड़ा भारी, थाना वजीरगंज पुलिस ने थाने के अंदर रील बनाने के दो युवकों को किया गिरफ्तार-#ViralReel pic.twitter.com/9WjvqNGzAM
— Gonda Police (@gondapolice) September 15, 2023
The Gonda Police took to social media to inform the public about the arrest, stating, “Making a reel inside the police station got troublesome, Wazirganj police station arrested two youths for creating a reel inside the police station.” The reel, initially filmed by the youths, was also shared by the police on social media and depicted one of them posing on a selfie camera while the other walked towards him. This reel was shot just outside the premises of the police station.
The incident sparked a discussion on whether video shooting inside a police station constituted a crime. Some citizens expressed confusion, with one user asking, “How does making a reel outside a police station become a crime? Can anyone enlighten me?” Another user expressed concerns about security, saying, “Making videos of police stations gives access to any vulnerabilities, entryways, exits, & hiding places! Pretty sure it’s a crime.”
Interestingly, it’s worth noting that last year, the Bombay High Court delivered a significant ruling regarding the videotaping of police stations. The court determined that videotaping inside a police station did not constitute “spying under Section 3 of the Officials Secrets Act.” Furthermore, the court did not classify a police station as a ‘prohibited place.’ As a result, an FIR (First Information Report) related to video recording inside the police station was quashed, as it was clarified that video recording inside the police station did not qualify as an offense under the aforementioned Act.
This ruling underscores the complexity of the issue. While videotaping inside a police station may not inherently be deemed a crime, it is essential to consider local laws and regulations, as well as the specific circumstances surrounding such actions. It is advisable for individuals to exercise caution and respect the boundaries set by law enforcement agencies while engaging in any form of recording within police premises.
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In conclusion, the legal implications of filming inside a police station can vary, and it is crucial to be aware of the specific laws and regulations governing such actions in one’s jurisdiction. While the Bombay High Court ruling provides some clarity, it is always best to consult with legal authorities to ensure compliance with the law and to avoid any potential legal issues.