Supreme Court Pulls up Centre, Asks What Action Has Been Taken Against Cow Vigilantes

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

Updated: September 6, 2017 12:25 PM IST

By India.com News Desk | Edited by Priyanka Rathi

Supreme Court Pulls up Centre, Asks What Action Has Been Taken Against Cow Vigilantes
Representative image

New Delhi, September 6: The Supreme Court on Wednesday pulled up the Centre asking it about the action taken against the cow vigilantes. The remarks came as there has been a spurt in the incidents of violence by cow vigilantes resulting in the death of several people. The apex court has asked each state to appoint a senior police officer in each district as nodal officer to take action against cow vigilantism.

Highlights

  • SC asks states to appoint officer in each district to act against cow vigilantes
  • Centre, states must take steps to stop cow vigilantes from taking law in their hands: SC
  • Law is there to take care of any kind of untoward incidents: Centre to SC

Representing Centre in the case, Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the top court that law was there to take care of any kind of untoward incidents. In return, Chief Justice of India 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.”

The court also said that both Central and state governments must take effective steps to stop cow vigilante groups from taking law in their hands. It has also asked state chief secretaries to file detailed report on actions taken to curb cow vigilantism.

Even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given repeated warnings to cow vigilantes, it seems to have fallen on deaf ears. According to a report in Times of India, 32 cases of attacks by mobs or vigilante groups on Muslims have been reported since May 2014. In these attacks, 23 people were killed, including women and children.

In a tough message against cow vigilantism and mob lynching, Modi had in July said killing people on the pretext of protecting cows was not acceptable and warned that no one had the right to take law into his hands. “Killing people in the name of ‘gau bhakti’ is not acceptable. This is not something Mahatma Gandhi would approve,” he had said.

“Let’s all work together. Let’s create the India of Mahatma Gandhi’s dreams. Let’s create an India our freedom fighters would be proud of,” said Modi. “No person in this nation has the right to take the law in his or her own hands.”

Also Read:

For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest India News on India.com.

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts Cookies Policy.