Supreme Court concerned over rise in custodial death, torture

The Supreme Court has said torture and death in police custody, the two "most heinous crimes, are on the rise despite there being Constitutional and statutory safeguards to protect life and liberty of persons.

"Though several Constitutional and statutory provisions have been enacted to safeguard the personal liberty and life of citizens, incidents of torture and death in the police custody are ever on the rise" a bench comprising Justices HS Bedi and JM Panchal said.

Maintaining that custodial torture and deaths are the "most heinous crimes" committed by persons who claim to be protectors of the citizens, the Bench said the victims in such cases are "totally helpless."

"What is distressing to note is that the incidents of torture and death in the police custody take place under the shield of uniform and authority in the four walls of police station or in the lock up where the victims are totally helpless," the court said.

The court made the remarks while dismissing an appeal against the Karnataka high court judgment holding nine policemen guilty for the death of two persons due to custodial torture.