“Even assuming that there was no custodial violence, the very fact that the police kept Faizan at the police station when he was evidently in need of critical medical care itself smacks of criminal neglect of duty, if not something worse," the Delhi high court had said.  

The truth about the circumstances of custodial deaths is the first step towards any conception of justice and restoration of dignity and an imperative for a State based on popular consent.

In her book, Jinee Lokaneeta speaks to policemen about the three themes behind the pragmatic logic of applying the third degree in investigations.

The police's violence also shows that torture is used to assert the spectacular power of the state to instil fear amongst the people.

The fascination with the technique can be explained by its portrayal as medically humane and avoiding legal pitfalls.

Like the Thangjam Manorama inquiry commission report, the Supreme Court's order is likely to be significant both for what it may intentionally ensure and for what it may unintentionally reveal.

Although the report does have some shortcomings, it recognises that torture is prohibited under customary law without any exceptions and the condemnation of it in the Indian constitution.