Solicitor general Ranjit Kumar who was appearing for the Centre told Supreme Court on Friday that the government does not support cow vigilantism and it was for the states to tackle so-called groups. Kumar said law and order was a state issue and it was up to them to restrain such incidents.
The government’s answer was to a petition filed by social activist Tehseen Poonawala. The petition sought direction to the Centre and some states to take action against ‘Gau Rakhasks’, who claims to guard cows, an animal seen as sacred by a section of Hindus.
The remark came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned increasing violence across India related to the cow, saying killing in the name of cow worship was not acceptable.
“You say that law and order is a state subject and states are taking actions as per law. You don’t protect any kind of vigilantism,” a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said. It also sought the help of the Centre and states for removing content linked to cow vigilantism on social media.
Representatives appearing for Gujarat and Jharkhand also maintained that proper action has been taken against people involved in violent activities.
The bench recorded their submission and told the Centre and other states submit reports on the violent incidents in four weeks. It posted the matter for further hearing on Sept 6.
