Tamil Nadu, July 2025: After the tragic custodial death of a security guard in Sivaganga, public outrage is mounting. A group of over 150 civil society activists is now calling on the Tamil Nadu government to pass a special law to stop custodial torture and deaths.

Activists say the existing legal protections are too weak and fail to stop repeated incidents of police abuse. They argue that without a clear and strong law, justice for victims remains out of reach and accountability is rarely enforced.

The group has proposed a dedicated anti-torture law that would:

• Clearly define and criminalize custodial torture

• Ensure fast and fair investigations into custodial deaths

• Establish an independent oversight body with judges, lawyers, and human rights experts

• Provide support and compensation to victims and their families

India has witnessed several cases of police brutality, especially against poor and marginalized communities. Tamil Nadu, despite being one of the more progressive states, has reported multiple such incidents over the years. The activists believe that a strong law is the only way to prevent future abuse and restore public trust in law enforcement.