1 ( 18 )
2 28. The attention of the Punjab Authorities has been earnestly
3 directed to the prevention of torture by the Police.
4 It were rash to assert, perhaps vain to hope, that
5 the practice may not be occasionally resorted td ina mitigated form. It
6 is to be bornein mind that this practice has been resorted to for ages,
7 and having actually become an integral part of native institutions, is now
8 difficult to extirpate. But every Police Officer has to enter into the
9 most stringent engagements not to countenance the practice. The
10 Magistrates consider themselves solemnly responsible to prevent and prose-
11 cute the evil. Whenever this guilt is brought home to the Police, the
12 offenders are sentenced to long terms of imprisonment, ranging from two
13 to seven years,
14 .29, The general result only tends to confirm what has been said
15 on previous occasions regarding the entire paci-
16 fication of the Punjab people. ‘hey doubtless
17 feel themselves to be in the hands of a strong Government, with
18 establishments of all kinds ready and efficient. But still their obedience
19 to the Law must be pronounced exemplary and indicative of sterling
20 national qualities, Within these Territories there has not been a single
21 emeute, nor threatening of resistance to any lawful process, nor any
22 necessity for resort to armed force of any kind within the two years
23 under report.
24 Prevention of torture.
25 General result,
26 Part IV.—J AILS.
27 30. During the years 1854 and 1855, Prison Discipline has been
28 marked rather by gradual improvement in detail than by any stirring
29 improvement. Despite our precautions, the average number of prisoners
30 continues to increase, as may be seen thus:—
31 ) 1853. 1854, 1855.
32 Prisoners, see ons wes 10,242 11,054 11,802
33 It was hoped that by mitigating the sentences passed in the Courts,
34 Numerical increase of PY. Temitting portions of the term of imprisonment
35 PE on account of a convict’s good behaviour, or on
36 account of his suffering the additional infliction of solitude, the accu-