Centre also puts onus on states to check vigilantism

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday while disapproving “mob lynching” by cow vigilante groups, reserved verdict on petitions seeking ban on such groups on the ground that they were operating illegally in many parts of the country allegedly killing people in the name of protecting the cow.  The ASG said:  “Government of India stand is clear, it is a state subject and it is for the states to deal with the issue. Union of India has no role to play but government has told Parliament that it does not support any form of vigilantism. The Centre has issued advisories to states.” 

Petitioners alleged that some states like Gujarat, Haryana, MP and Maharashtra have given licenses to these vigilante groups to check passing trucks for carrying any illegal cow meat. Gau rakshak dals, are in the news for the past few months following a series of incidents across the country where beef-eaters and those purportedly indulging in cow meat have been targeted.  The petitioners submitted that the menace caused by the so called Cow Protection Groups is spreading fast to every nook and corner of the country and is creating disharmony among communities and castes.