Cow vigilantism unacceptable, should not be linked with religion: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Tuesday took a strong exception to the incidents of lynching by cow vigilantes and said that it was the obligation of states to ensure that no such incident occurs in the country.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra observed that the incidents of lynching were actually mob violence, therefore, they should not be linked with any religion.

“This kind of incidents cannot occur. It can’t be accepted in the remotest sense. It was the obligation of states to ensure that such incidents do not occur,” the bench also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud observed.

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General PS Narasimha said that the government was aware to the situation and maintaining law and order was its main concern.

Earlier in 2017, the apex court had directed the states and the Centre to take stringent action to curb the incidents of lynching on the name cow vigilantism.  

“Who will stop them? Some mechanism has to be there to prevent violence indulged in by these groups. This must stop. Some kind of planned and well-coordinated action is required by the governments so that vigilantism does not grow,” the apex court said.

While hearing a plea seeking contempt action for not following the court’s order to take strict action against violence in the name of cow vigilantism, the apex court had sought a response from Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh governments.

In the past four years, the incidents of violence and lynching in the name of cow vigilantism have increased many folds across the country. In July this year, a cattle-trader was allegedly lynched in the name of cow vigilantism by the mob in Hapur’s Pilakhuwa.

The family of 45-year-old Qasim, who was killed by the mob, alleged that he was attacked for ferrying cows. The police, however, claimed that it was road rage incident.