Supreme Court to lay norms for mob violence

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Friday termed as “grave” the rising incidents of rioting and vandalism of properties during protests across the country and said that it will not wait for the government to amend the law. The observation came when Attorney General K K. Venugopal told the bench headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra that riots and protests are happening almost every week in one or other part of the country and referred to recent violent incidents involving kanwariyas.

“Kanwariyas are overturning vehicles in Delhi... When the film Padmavat was to be released, one group gave open threat that it will cut the nose of the lead actress. Nothing has happened. No FIR,” the law officer told the bench which also comprised justices A.M. Khanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud.

Venugopal referred to protests on the Maratha reservation in Maharashtra, nationwide violence following the apex court verdict in the SC/ST matter. “Then what is your suggestion,” the bench asked the top law officer. “Fix the responsibility on the officers concerned like superintendent of police,” Venugopal said.