“Nobody can take law into their own hands. It is the obligation of the states to see these incidents are prevented,” a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said.
Caravan News
NEW DELHI — The incidents of cow vigilantism are not acceptable and it’s for the states to ensure that such events don’t happen, Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra said on Tuesday.
The Supreme Court also warned against linking mob violence to religion or caste and said “a victim is a victim”. The courth was hearing petitions on cow vigilantism.
“Nobody can take law into their own hands. It is the obligation of the states to see these incidents are prevented,” a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud said.
The top court has, however, reserved its verdict on compensation to victims and fixing responsibility on cow vigilantism, which it observed was actually mob violence.
Last year, the Supreme Court had directed all 29 states and seven union territories (UTs) to take steps to stop violence in the name of cow protection and asked them to appoint officers to go after “vigilante groups”.
The apex court’s directions had come after a petition from Tushar Gandhi, calling for relief from cow vigilantism.
Indira Jaising, a senior advocate, representing Mr Gandhi, said the central government be directed to frame a national policy on preventing incidents of cow vigilantism.
On compensation to victims Mr Indira Jaisingh also pointed out that there were several judgements which make compensation mandatory to the victims of such crimes.
