New Delhi, Apr 8: To check custodial deaths, the government today said it would introduce the “Prevention of Torture Bill” in the current parliament session. This will be a major step towards “zero tolerance” policy on human rights violation.
Information and Broadcasting Minister, Ambika Soni told reporters that the cabinet gave its approval to the draft bill, which would be a step forward towards ratification of the UN “Convention against Torture and Other cruel, Inhuman and degrading Treatment or Punishment”.
“There have been scores of custodial deaths as well as third degree treatment applied by the security and police officials against alleged criminal, militants and other persons. This results into death and other physical disabilities. Once the bill is passed by the two house of parliament, it will put an end to such type of torture.”
She said the draft bill was examined by the Law Commission and the Attorney General of India. After deliberations on the issue, it was decided to bring a piece of “stand alone’ legislation so that the Convention is ratified.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 8 Apr 2010 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 8 Apr 2010 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 9 Apr 2010 00:00:00 IST