The Supreme Court has sought response from the government on a petition seeking framing of an effective law to prevent torture and inhuman treatment of individuals in custody.
A bench comprising Chief Justice T S Thakur and Justice A M Khanwilkar yesterday issued notice to the Ministry of Home Affairs and sought its reply on a PIL for “rehabilitation, relief and
compensation” for victims of custodial violence.
The apex court was hearing a PIL filed by senior advocate and former law minister Ashwani Kumar, who has sought directions to empower agencies like National Human Rights
Commission (NHRC) with the necessary enforcement capabilities and mechanism for implementation of its orders and directions.
The plea said, due to absence of a comprehensive and purposeful legislation in the country for the prevention of custodial violence and torture, the constitutional rights of individuals are being violated. It said disinclination of the executive in this regard is also endangering the constitutional right of persons.