The Law Commission has said the government should ratify a UN convention to tide over difficulties in extraditing criminals from foreign countries due to the absence of a law preventing harsh treatment by authorities. <br/><br/>It also said that a bill should be introduced in Parliament to amend various laws to prevent torture by government officials, in case the government decides to ratify the UN convention on torture and other inhuman treatment. <br/><br/>The draft 'Prevention of Torture Bill, 2017' proposes "stringent punishment" to perpetrators to curb the menace of torture and to have a deterrent effect on acts of torture. The punishment could extend up to life imprisonment and include a fine.<br/><br/>The report submitted to the law ministry said the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973 and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 require amendments to accommodate provisions regarding compensation and burden of proof. <br/><br/>It recommended an amendment to section 357B to incorporate payment of compensation, in addition to the payment of fine provided in the Indian Penal. <br/><br/>The report also said, an effective mechanism must be put in place to protect victims of torture, complainants and witnesses against possible threats, violence or ill treatment.<br/><br/>The Commission recommended the State own the responsibility for injuries caused by its agents on citizens. In July this year, the Centre had asked the panel to examine the issue of ratifying the convention after a writ petition was filed in a court.