Cow vigilantism matter: SC directs states to take vigilantes to task, compensate victims under Code of Criminal Procedure

Supreme Court on Friday demanded status report from states on implementation of its September 6 judgment-related to the menace of cow vigilantism. 

The Apex court on Friday said states were under obligation to compensate victims of violence by cow vigilante groups. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said states must frame schemes to compensate victims of crime, including those of cow vigilantism as envisaged under the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Gujarat, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Karnataka & UP filed their compliance reports on Friday, while Maharashtra Govt said that it will file the report by the end of the day. 

Supreme Court said that all states are under an obligation to compensate victims of Cow vigilantism violence cases. Next hearing is on October 31st.

Read | Cow vigilantism: Supreme Court's stern warning to states, take action against gau rakshaks

On September 6, the apex court gave a stern warning to state governments across India asking them to take action against the self-appointed 'gau rakshaks'. The apex court has asked states to appoint a senior police officer in each district as nodal officer to take action against cow vigilantism.

Cow vigilantes have been responsible for injuries and deaths of several innocent cattle traders and meat shop owners, who were beaten up on mere suspicion of beef trading or cow slaughter.

SC also said Central and state governments must take effective steps to stop cow vigilante groups from taking law in their hands.

ASG Tushar Mehta representing Centre told SC that law was there to take care of any kind of untoward incidents.

CJI Dipak Misra said 'We know laws are there, but what action has been taken? You can take planned action so that vigilantism does not grow'.