Lawyers and legal experts on Friday (June 26, 2026) called for the enactment of a dedicated law to prohibit torture by law enforcement officials, stating that India should fulfil its commitment to the United Nations Convention Against Torture.

The demand was made at a seminar organised by the Human Rights Cell of the Coimbatore District Bar Association to mark the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Delivering the special address, senior advocate Sekar Annadurai said India did not have a specific law prohibiting torture by law enforcement officials despite being a signatory to the UN Convention Against Torture. He alleged that torture continued to be used during criminal investigations, resulting in hundreds of custodial deaths.

He urged the Union government to honour its commitment to the international community by prohibiting torture both in law and in practice.

Special Public Prosecutors Balasubramanian, Rajapriya, Stefina Rose and Jisa, Bar Association president R. Balakrishnan, secretary K. Sudhees, and advocates Madhivanan and V.P. Sarathi also addressed the gathering.

A booklet containing key legal provisions relating to torture was released and distributed during the programme, which was attended by advocates.