New Delhi, Jun 26: Union Law Minister Salman Khurshid today suggested that all proceedings at police stations across the country should be videographed as the measure would discourage custodial torture.
“I think in modern times and availability of modern technology...unfortunately even courts are not ready to record their proceedings...there should be videographing and recording of proceedings that take place in our police stations so that there is completely safe evidence available,” Khurshid said.
“I am sure people will say it is expensive, maintenance will be a problem, police stations are in distant places etcetera. I think these are all issues we can find answers to,” he said.
The Law Minister was speaking at an interaction organised by the European Union on the occasion of International Day in support of victims of torture.
He said that the vicious cycle of torture which leads to more delinquents and then more torture should be broken.
He, however, added there were bound to different opinions. “Let me be a bit honest and frank, If I was to say this to some police officers they would tell me that you go and sleep in those areas and then tell us. There are two points of view but I think these points of view we have to overcome and come up with a different answer,” Khurshid said.
Among those who were present included former Delhi High Court Chief Justice A P Shah, who asked the Union minister when the Government planned to bring the Prevention of Torture Bill to the Rajya Sabha.
“I feel that it is high time that this should be debated in the Parliament and the Bill should come as early as possible. I put it that the honourable Law minister shed some light on where the Bill is lying now,” Justice Shah said
“I think in modern times and availability of modern technology...unfortunately even courts are not ready to record their proceedings...there should be videographing and recording of proceedings that take place in our police stations so that there is completely safe evidence available,” Khurshid said.
“I am sure people will say it is expensive, maintenance will be a problem, police stations are in distant places etcetera. I think these are all issues we can find answers to,” he said.
The Law Minister was speaking at an interaction organised by the European Union on the occasion of International Day in support of victims of torture.
He said that the vicious cycle of torture which leads to more delinquents and then more torture should be broken.
He, however, added there were bound to different opinions. “Let me be a bit honest and frank, If I was to say this to some police officers they would tell me that you go and sleep in those areas and then tell us. There are two points of view but I think these points of view we have to overcome and come up with a different answer,” Khurshid said.
Among those who were present included former Delhi High Court Chief Justice A P Shah, who asked the Union minister when the Government planned to bring the Prevention of Torture Bill to the Rajya Sabha.
“I feel that it is high time that this should be debated in the Parliament and the Bill should come as early as possible. I put it that the honourable Law minister shed some light on where the Bill is lying now,” Justice Shah said
