Meanwhile, Himachal Pradesh is the only state that’s actually received central funds this year. Why does this matter? Because CCTV cameras aren’t about surveillance; they’re about accountability. When someone walks into a police station, they should feel safe, not scared. The court’s order was meant to stop custodial torture; but without cameras, there’s no proof. 21 states asked for funds. Only 8 got approval. And now, the funding scheme might expire by December 2027; unless the court steps in. Some states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, or Delhi say they don’t need money; they’ll do it themselves. But others like Bihar, Kerala, and MP haven’t even applied yet. This isn’t just about technology. It’s about whether justice can be seen; and trusted.