Is It Legal to Record Police Officers or Public Servants While on Duty in India?

Yes. Recording police officers or public servants while they perform official duties in public places is generally legal.

The Supreme Court has said that public officials acting in their official capacity have a reduced expectation of privacy, and such a recording may fall under Article 19(1)(a).

However, the act becomes illegal if it obstructs official work, provokes public disorder, or the footage is used for defamation or misinformation. Courts have observed that recording cannot justify harassment or interference with law enforcement.

Misuse of such videos may attract liability under Article 21, the IT Act, or the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Responsible and non-intrusive recording remains key.