SC asks Centre, states not to protect any kind of vigilantism

Not satisfied with the Centre’s stand that it does not support violence by vigilantes in the name of cow protection, the Supreme Court directed it and the state governments not to protect any kind of vigilantism.

The Bench of Justices Dipak Misra, A M Khanwilkar and Mohan Shantanagoudar was hearing a petition by Pune-based activist Tehseen S. Poonawalla to declare as “unconstitutional” provisions in the laws enacted in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka to provide protection to persons acting in good faith to protect the cows.

It also sought action taken in the cow vigilantism-related violent incidents from the Centre as well as the six states referred in the petition, after the Centre washed off its hands saying the law and order and tackling violence fall in the states’ domain.

On Solicitor General Ranjit Kumar’s contention on behalf of the Centre that the states are taking action as per law, the Bench wanted to know what exact action has been taken in each state.

It also sought the assistance of the Centre and the states to delete violent content on the social media, related to cow vigilantism.

Lawyers appearing for the BJP-ruled Gujarat and Jharkhand said appropriate action had been already taken against the vigilantes involved in violence.

As four other states, who were made respondents in the matter have not filed their response, the Court adjourned the matter giving them four weeks time to react.

The Court had issued notice to the Centre and six states on April 7 in response to Poonawalla’s October 21 petition, seeking action against the self-appointed Gau Rakshak who were resorting to violence and killing people in the name of cow protection.