Dr Shashi Tharoor Urges Govt To Bring Law Against Torture

Dr.Shashi Tharoor has given a notice under Rule 377 of the Lok Sabha Rules, urging the Centre to set out an immediate timeline to urgently facilitate the introduction of legislation prohibiting torture.

In the notice, the Congress MP representing Thiruvananthapuram constituency states :

"Torture is a moral affront to the conscience of every Indian and a complete violation of our Constitutional ethos. It is horrifying to note that  nearly a thousand-people died in custody in 2017, the horrid story about the custodial death of Sreejev in Parassala once again reminds us of our duty to act against torture. In 1997 India signed UNCAT, however, it is humiliating to note that we have not ratified it even after two decades. 

The prohibition against torture is so well established in international law that there can be no two-views on this subject. A bill was passed in Lok Sabha in 2010 but has since lapsed. The Government had informed the Supreme Court that it will consider a fresh Bill. Therefore, I urge the Government to set out an immediate timeline to urgently facilitate the introduction of legislation prohibiting torture".