In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed writ petitions challenging mob violence and vigilante lynching, particularly by cow protection groups. While declining to declare the state animal preservation acts unconstitutional, the Court recognized a constitutional duty of the State to prevent vigilantism and protect citizens' fundamental rights. The judgment upheld the rule of law against private enforcement and affirmed that crime transcends religion, caste or class. The Court issued comprehensive preventive (Nodal Officers, intelligence gathering, social media regulation), remedial (compensation schemes, fast-track trials) and punitive measures (departmental action for negligent officials). It recommended that Parliament create a separate lynching offence, emphasizing that fear of law underpins civilized society.
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