The Supreme Court has decided against creating national guidelines for compensating and monitoring cases of mob lynching and cow vigilantism. The court stated that implementing such broad rules across the country would be “unfeasible” and could potentially be detrimental to those affected by these crimes.
Supreme Court’s Reasoning
Justices BR Gavai and KV Chandran, who were presiding over a petition filed by the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), proposed that high courts are better equipped to address these issues individually. Rather than the Supreme Court intervening in every specific instance, they believe local judiciaries can develop more effective solutions. This approach allows for a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics.
The Supreme Court emphasized that high courts are better positioned to manage these sensitive cases within their respective jurisdictions. Their familiarity with local contexts enables them to craft responses that are specifically tailored to the unique needs of their states. The court underscored the potential ineffectiveness and even harm that could arise from attempting to impose a uniform solution on the entire nation. They reasoned that delegating these matters to local courts would ultimately lead to more just outcomes. You might also be interested in learning about similar cases handled by the Supreme Court in the past.
Focus on Strengthening State Legal Systems
According to the bench, “It is unfeasible to issue a general direction.” Instead, they advocated for reinforcing the current legal frameworks at the state level. This strategy facilitates more customized reactions to the distinct challenges presented by mob violence and vigilantism in various regions of the country. This is because each state has different dynamics that influence mob lynching.
This ruling underscores the continuing discussion surrounding the most effective methods for tackling mob lynching incidents in India. By entrusting the responsibility to the high courts, the Supreme Court is expressing confidence in the capacity of local judicial bodies to manage these intricate and delicate cases effectively. The onus now rests on the high courts to guarantee that justice prevails and that individuals harmed by mob violence receive the necessary assistance and reparations.