New Delhi, July 26: The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre and states in connection with a PIL seeking proper implementation of the apex court's 2018 judgement with respect to mob lynching cases. The Supreme Court served a notice to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which comes under Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah, and states. The PIL sought to initiate contempt of court proceedings against some states for violating court directives in mob lynching cases.

On July 17, 2018, the Supreme Court had urged the Parliament to enact a law against mob lynching and violence by cow vigilantes, describing these incidents as "horrendous acts of mobocracy". The apex court had warned that such incidents may rise like a "Typhon-like monster" across the country. A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra held that it was the obligation of the State to protect citizens and ensure that the "pluralistic social fabric" of the country holds against mob violence. Alwar Mob Lynching Case: Supreme Court Seeks Explanation from Rajasthan Government Over Pehlu Khan's Death.

The top court had issued a slew of directions to the government to provide "preventive, remedial and punitive measures" to deal with offences like mob violence and cow vigilantism. It had ordered the appointment of nodal police officers in all districts, efficient patrolling in areas where there was possibility of such incidents, and completion of trial in these cases within six months. Three days after the Supreme Court's judgment, a dairy farmer Rakbar Khan was attacked by cow vigilantes. After Madhya Pradesh And UP, Rajasthan Government to Enact Law Against Mob Lynching.

Subsequently, activist Tehseen Poonawalla had filed a contempt petition against that have not complied with the top court’s 2018 judgement. In September 2018, the Supreme Court had all states and Union Territories to comply with its directions on curbing cow vigilantism and mob lynching. A few months later, the Manipur Assembly passed a Bill against mob violence. While Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh government announced to bring a law against mob lynching, other states and the Centre are yet to make any law to prevent lynching.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 26, 2019 12:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).