Alwar ‘ killing’: SC to hear contempt plea

‘ Lynchings taking place despite apex court’s rulings on cow vigilantism’ ◗

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a contempt plea against the Rajasthan government in connection with mob lynching of an alleged cow smuggler in Alwar on July 20.

A three- judge bench, headed by CJI Dipak Misra, agreed to the submission of senior advocate Indira Jaising who, on behalf of the petitioners Tehseen Poonawalla and Tushar Gandhi, alleged that lynching incidents were taking place in the country despite the apex court issuing guidelines to prevent mob attacks.

Mr Poonawalla alleged that the Rajasthan government had not complied with the directions issued by the apex court to prevent mob lynching and had committed contempt of court.

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a contempt plea against the Rajasthan government in connection with the mob lynching of an alleged cow smuggler in Alwar on July 20.

CJI Dipak Misra, heading a three- judge Bench, agreed to the submission of senior advocate Indira Jaising, who on behalf of the petitioners Tehseen Poonawala and Tushar Gandhi, alleged that lynching incidents were taking place in the country despite the apex court’s rulings on cow vigilantism.

She alleged that the Rajasthan government had not complied with the directions issued by the apex court to prevent mob lynching and thus had committed contempt

of court. The CJI said the petition would be listed for hearing along with the main matter on August 20, when compliance reports have to be filed by all the states.

On July 20, Akbar alias Rakbar was lynched by a mob on suspicion of being a cow smuggler in Alwar. His associate Aslam who was transporting cows on foot along with him managed to escape.

The state police had stated that Aslam managed to escape and unknown locals beat the victim Akbar up with sticks, which led to serious injuries on his arms, legs and all over his body. He then collapsed, the police said.

Last week, the apex court acting on petitions filed by Tehseen S. Poonawalla and others suggested to Parliament to enact a law to make lynching a separate offence, including the provision for compensation to victims.

The court had made it clear that mobocracy could not take law into their hands and resort to lynching. It said there can be no shadow of doubt that the authorities which are conferred with the responsibility to maintain law and order in the states have the principal obligation to see that vigilantism, be it cow vigilantism or any other vigilantism of any perception, does not take place. Giving a series of directions, the court had said the states shall designate a senior police officer, not below the rank of Superintendent of Police, as Nodal Officer in each district for taking measures to prevent incidents of mob violence and lynching.

They shall constitute a special task force so as to procure intelligence reports about the people who are likely to commit such crimes or who are involved in spreading hate speeches and fake news.