Form task forces to check violence in the name of cow vigilantism: SC to states

The top court had in July asked both Centre and the states to act against any kind of vigilantism.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed all the states to form task forces to check rising violence in the name of cow vigilantism.

The apex court has reportedly given states one week to form such teams. The top court had in July asked both Centre and the states to act against any kind of vigilantism and sought their response on the crime committed by purported gau rakshaks.

In July, the Centre told the Supreme Court that it does not support vigilantism in the name of cow protection. While stating that it condemns any form of violence, the Centre said that law and order is a state subject.

The court had then directed the Centre to file an affidavit asking it to explain what it proposes to do to control the menace of cow vigilantism. The court also directed states to file an affidavit in this regard.

A petition in this regard was filed by activist Tehseen S Poonawalla on October 21 last year.The petition also quoted the incidents in Rajasthan and other states where violence had erupted over the issue. The petitioner said that minorities and Dalits have been targeted by cow vigilante groups. The petitioner alleged that the centre has not done enough to stop the problem.

OneIndia News