Mob lynching: Centre sets up committee to suggest legal framework

The Centre on Monday set up a high-level committee to curb the menace of mob lynching.

The committee headed by Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba will submit its recommendations to the government within four weeks.

A statement issued by the Centre read, "Government is concerned at the incidents of violence by mobs in some parts of the country. The government has already condemned such incidents and made its stand clear in the Parliament that it is committed to upholding the rule of law and adopting effective measures to curb such incidents".

"As per the Constitutional scheme, 'Police' and 'Public Order' are state subjects. State Governments are responsible for controlling crime, maintaining law and order, and protecting the life and property of the citizens. They are empowered to enact and enforce laws to curb crime in their jurisdiction," the statement added.

The move came a week after the Supreme Court asked the central government to enact a law to deal with incidents of lynching and take action on mob violence.

Accordingly, Ministry of Home Affairs has, from time to time, issued advisories to States/Union Territories for maintenance of public order and prevention of crime in their areas of jurisdiction.

An advisory on addressing the issue of lynching by a mob on suspicion of child lifting was issued on July 4.

Earlier, an advisory was issued on August 9, 2016, on disturbances by miscreants in the name of protection of cow.

The State Governments have been advised to implement the directions issued in the matter by the Supreme Court on July 17, 2018.

The release underlined "In order to formulate appropriate measures to address the situation, Government has set up a high level committee chaired by the Union Home Secretary to deliberate in the matter and make recommendations. The Secretary, Department of Justice, Secretary, Department of Legal Affairs, Secretary, Legislative Department and Secretary, Social Justice and Empowerment are the members of the committee. The committee will submit its recommendations to the Government within four weeks".

"Government has further decided to constitute a Group of Ministers headed by the Union Home Minister to consider the recommendations of the high level committee. The Minister, External Affairs, Minister, Road Transport and Highways; Shipping, Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Minister, Law and Justice and Minister, Social Justice and Empowerment are the members of Group of Ministers," release stated.