SC gives states six weeks to respond to PIL on rising lynchings

New Delhi, April 16 (IANS) The Supreme Court has granted six weeks to state governments to respond to cases of lynchings and mob violence. A PIL filed by the NFIW seeks action from Directors General of Police. The Bench, headed by Justice B.R. Gavai, noted the lack of response from most states.

The Bench, which also includes Justices Aravind Kumar and Sandeep Mehta, expressed disappointment that states have not filed their affidavits regarding instances of mob lynchings mentioned in the petition. The apex court has given six weeks to state governments to provide a counter-reply detailing the actions taken in such cases.

Last year in July, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre and several state governments including Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Maharashtra. Subsequently, all state governments were included in the PIL following an application by the Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, seeking uniform compensation for victims or their families.

The plea highlighted that in many cases, authorities only register FIRs as a formality without initiating genuine criminal proceedings. The PIL has urged the court to determine a minimum uniform compensation to be granted to the victims or their families. The apex court has emphasized the need for states to take concrete actions in cases of mob violence and lynchings.

–IANS
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