Custodial Violence and Accountability Mechanisms as Human Right

Authors

  • Ashima Jain Assistant Professor, School of Law, Manipal University Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37591/jclj.v8i2.1902

Keywords:

Custodial Violence, Human Rights, Police Reform, National Human Rights Commission, Democratic Accountability

Abstract

The high rate of custodial violence is one of the most alarming human rights questions in contemporary India, which gives an indicator of the severe democratic governance and citizen well-being issues. The paper discusses this issue in detail with respect to the scenario of physical and psychological abuse that takes place within police custody. It follows the institutional and historical origins of the issue lighting up on the reasons perpetuating such practices against the protection of laws. The paper relies on principles established in international rights including convention concepts that were established in the United Nations Charter to advocate the unified and dedicated appeal. It requires the involvement of the government, civil society and institutional organs to end custodial violence and enhance accountability. Another significant structural problem that the paper has outlined in the Indian system
of policing is that of the dire need of reforming the policing system to adhere to the values of the constitution and human dignity. The problem of national institutions, especially Human Rights Cells and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), is raised in a very critical sense, especially in the areas of monitoring, investigation, and justice ensuring in the instances of custodial deaths as well
as notorious misdoings. Finally, the paper notes that creating an open regulatory system that respects rights through the building of a transparent and rights-respecting policing culture is vital when protecting the rule of law and democratic integrity.

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Published

2025-08-13

How to Cite

Custodial Violence and Accountability Mechanisms as Human Right. (2025). Journal of Constitutional Law and Jurisprudence, 8(2), 148-153. https://doi.org/10.37591/jclj.v8i2.1902