Some useful information to help you understand How to Request CCTV Footage for Road Accidents in India (2025)
In the aftermath of a road accident in India, securing CCTV footage can often make or break a case. Whether you're a victim, an accused driver, or a concerned party, camera footage offers objective evidence that can support your claims. Here's everything you need to know about requesting and obtaining CCTV footage legally in India in 2025.
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Why CCTV Footage Matters
In road accident disputes, CCTV footage can serve as unbiased, timestamped evidence to:
- Prove who was at fault in collisions or signal violations
- Refute false police complaints or exaggerated damage claims
- Protect you legally if you're wrongly accused
- Support insurance claims and FIR quashing petitions
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Where to Get CCTV Footage
You may request footage from the following authorities depending on the accident location:
- Traffic Police: Footage from junctions, red light cameras, and intersections
- Municipal Corporations: Footage from roadside cameras and public infrastructure
- Private Establishments: Shops, offices, hotels, petrol pumps near the site
- Residential Societies: For accidents inside or outside gated communities
Always note the exact time, location, and nearby landmarks to guide the request.
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Legal Process for Requesting Footage
If you're a party involved in the accident, here's how you can formally request CCTV footage:
- File a written application with the concerned police station or municipal authority.
- Include FIR copy or accident details (date, time, vehicle number, location).
- Request preservation of footage immediately to prevent auto-deletion.
Keep an acknowledgment or diary number for record-keeping.
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Using RTI to Request Footage
If authorities do not cooperate or delay the request, you may file an RTI application under the Right to Information Act, 2005:
- Submit to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the traffic department or municipal body
- Mention the exact timeframe and incident reference
- Request for both digital copy and viewing rights
If no reply is received within 30 days, you may file a first appeal or approach the Information Commission.
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Time Limits and Urgency
Most CCTVs retain footage for 7 to 30 days, after which it may be overwritten. Hence:
- File your application within 2–3 days of the accident
- Always request footage preservation in writing
- Follow up every 48 hours until you receive confirmation
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What If Access Is Denied?
If your request is unjustly denied or ignored, you can:
- File a complaint with the senior police officer or DCP zone
- Approach the High Court under Article 226 for a writ of mandamus
- Use the footage request denial as evidence of suppression or bias in your case
Legal assistance may be necessary at this stage to enforce your right to evidence.
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