Bombay high court issues notice to Maharashtra govt, Mumbai police over checking of lynching incidents

The Bombay high court on Monday issued a notice to the state government and the city police over a PIL seeking the court’s directions on checking increased instances of lynching and violence in the name of cattle protection.

A bench of justice BR Gavai and justice MS Karnik granted the state and the police two weeks to file their respective replies.

The bench was hearing a PIL filed by activist Shadaab Patel, in the apprehension that cattle vigilante groups might “create trouble” during the upcoming Bakri Eid festival.

The plea filed through Patel’s counsel Asif Naqvi urged the court to issue directions to the state to ensure the safety of citizens, especially of cattle traders, and those who own or work in slaughter houses and meat shops.

“The cattle vigilante groups are taking the law into their own hands. They are a threat to society because they cause a disturbance or a riot-like situation in the name of meat. The citizens have the Right to Life and to carry out business and trade as guaranteed by the Constitution of India,” the plea reads. Such vigilante groups primarily spread fear, and they must not be permitted to “violate any constitutional mandates,” the plea says.

“The state and the Union Government have failed to curb such attacks, hence, it is necessary for the court to issue guidelines on preventive and safety measures,” it reads.

The plea sought the state be directed to “provide 24-hour security to traders for transporting livestock.” It has also sought the state government implement the Apex Court’s July 2017 order suspending the Union government’s notification banning sale and purchase of cattle at animal markets for slaughter.

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