Torture in Police Custody Continues to Plague India’s Justice System

According to the Status of Policing in India Report, 2025, a staggering 63% of police personnel justify violence against serious crime suspects, underscoring a critical issue of custodial torture and police accountability in India. This alarming trend poses significant challenges to upholding constitutional rights and human dignity, making it a vital topic for UPSC aspirants, particularly in relation to GS Paper 2. Last Updated: 2025-04-11

Key Facts About Torture in Police Custody

• 63% of police personnel justify violence against serious crime suspects.
• 42% support torture in terrorism-related cases.
• 25% justify mob justice for sexual assault.
• Only 39% support mandatory reporting of custodial torture.
• 79% advocate for human rights training among police personnel.
• Zero convictions in custodial death cases from 2018 to 2022.
• Only 155.78 police personnel per 100,000 people in India.
• 72% of Delhi police report experiencing political pressure.

Broader Context: The State of Policing in India

The issue of torture in police custody is not just a matter of individual rights but reflects broader systemic failures within India's justice system. With a police-to-population ratio of only 155.78 per 100,000 people, the inadequacy of police resources and training exacerbates the problem. The perception of police as discriminatory, especially among marginalized communities, further undermines public trust and safety. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving India's goals of social justice and human rights, as outlined in various national policies and international commitments.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• National Police Commission: Aimed at reforming police practices and enhancing accountability.
• Community Policing Scheme: Focuses on building trust between police and communities.
• Human Rights Training Programs: Designed to educate police personnel about human rights and ethical policing.

UPSC Relevance

This topic is highly relevant for UPSC aspirants, particularly in the context of GS Paper 2, which covers issues related to governance, transparency, and accountability. In the Prelims, questions may focus on statistics related to police personnel and their attitudes towards violence. For the Mains, candidates might explore themes of human rights violations, the need for police reforms, and the implications of custodial torture on India's democratic fabric in essay papers or optional subjects like Political Science and Public Administration.

FAQ Section

• What is custodial torture? Custodial torture refers to the physical or psychological harm inflicted on individuals while they are in police custody, often to extract confessions or information.
• Why is the issue of torture in police custody important? It is crucial as it undermines the rule of law, violates human rights, and erodes public trust in law enforcement agencies.
• What are the key features of the Status of Policing in India Report, 2025? The report highlights alarming statistics, including that 63% of police personnel justify violence, and reveals a lack of accountability with zero convictions in custodial death cases from 2018 to 2022.