Lynching & the law

Lynching & the law

News:

1. The Supreme Court order calls for a special law to deal with lynching

Important facts:

2. The violence started with vigilante violence targeting cattle traders in the names of cow protection.

3. But, now it has taken a new turn with recent spate of killings comprises impulsive and unplanned acts of violence, fuelled by rumour and panic inducing social media messaging.

4. Last year, the Supreme Court asked all States to appoint nodal officers in each district to curb mobs.

5. As a consequence, the incidence of lynching and violence committed by gau rakshaks appear to have reduced but killings on those mistaken to be child-kidnapers have had a disquieting rise.

6. The circulation of videos and other messages about child-lifters through social media is the main reason behind these incidents.

7. The apex court has located lynching and vigilante violence in a socio-political framework linked to disrespect for an inclusive social order.

8. Impact of such violence –

• Freedom of speech, expression and personal choices are endangered.
• Human beings are dehumanised

9. Remedial measures:

• The apex court has mooted the idea of making lynching a separate offence.
• The law should be comprehensive, covering not only incidents of lynching, but also the extent to which criminality can be apportioned among rumour-mongers, instigators, principal offenders and those who are involved in such crimes.
• Penalty should be imposed on those who do nothing to stop such crimes.