FROM FEAR TO FURY: MOB LYNCHING IN INDIA

April 17, 2024

Once considered to be something of the past, mob lynching has sadly resurfaced to haunt contemporary India. The country, which is renowned for its variety and pluralism, is at present dealing with an alarming pattern in which mobs, often driven by rumours and prejudices, take the rule of law into their own hands.

These seasons, encompassing everything from cow vigilantism to suspected abductions of children, have sparked national outrage and brought significant problems concerning justice, law and order, and social cohesiveness in the largest democratic nation in the world to light.      

Mob Lynching in India 

  • As per themob lynching definition, this type of violence occurs when a mob executes a person who is thought to be the offender, often after torturing them, under the guise of enforcing the law without a trial.
  • It’s an illicit, sanctioned way of disciplining someone by an unofficial group. Most frequently, it is also referred to as unofficial public executions carried out by a mob to scare a group or punish an accused transgressor.
  • These kinds of events are heinous examples of bigotry, intolerance, and disrespect for the law.

mob lynching india: Impacts

  • Terror Atmosphere: An atmosphere of terror is created by the increase in mob lynching incidents, particularly among minorities. The Indian Spend study states that 22 mob lynching occurrences with 22 fatalities were reported in India in 2020.
  • Human Life Loss: Another well-known saying is, “Justice hurried, justice buried.” According to some, life is a “gift from god” that should be treated carefully. Because mob lynchings are based on rumours, they pose a threat to this priceless gift.

Human rights violations in India: Causes

  • Absence of Respect for the Rule of Law: Human rights can be violated without consequence when governments or other institutions disobey the laws designed to protect them.
  • Political Repression: Governments that violate human rights often do so in an effort to quell criticism, dissent, or opposition.
  • Poverty and Inequality: Poverty and inequality can result in a situation where some groups are ostracized and isolated from society, leaving them open to abuses of their human rights.
  • Lack of Accountability: When those who violate human rights do not face consequences for their actions, a climate of impunity grows and can encourage further violations.

mob lynching in india: Cases

  • Palghar Lynching Case 2020: On April 16, 2020, a WhatsApp rumour claimed that robbers were out on the loose in Maharashtra, India’s Gadchinchale Village, Palghar District. Under such a pretense, the three individuals, two sadhus and a driver, were apprehended by the mob groups and executed.
  • G.Krishnaiah (IAS Officer) Lynching Case: The Gopalganj District Magistrate G. Krishaniah was lynched on December 5, 1994, when a crowd of 5,000 people stormed towards his car and pulled him out. Krishaniah is an IAS officer. The crowd struck him, wounding him several times before firing a round into his head.

Anti-lynching legislation in India

  • The state government has included a provision for property attachment with fines and penalties ranging from three years to life imprisonment in the Prevention of Mob Lynching Act, 2022.
  • This act stipulates that a person who is killed in a mob lynching will be sentenced to life in prison. In addition, there is a clause that stipulates that serious injury might result in a sentence of 10 years to life in prison.
  • The act is Preventive measures against mob lynching. Itstipulates that anyone who incites the crowd shall be found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison. Anyone who destroys any evidence related to the offense will also be considered guilty of the crime. In addition, this measure includes provisions for the victim’s free treatment as well as compensation to the victim’s family.

Social media’s role in mob lynching

  • In India, the number of lynchings that have been caused by rumours that have gone viral on social media has reached frightening proportions. Rumours have contributed to historical occurrences.
  • Online rumours serving as a catalyst for mob lynchings are just one aspect of the growing influence of social media on Indian politics and culture. Although social media’s nature and effects in India are multifaceted and frequently empowering, mob lynchings are a symbol of the murky side of internet technology.
  • The propagation of false information and fake news on social media is beyond the capabilities of the Indian government to handle.
  • Social media corporations are reluctant to take action because they believe it will jeopardize their freedom of speech and economic model.

In India, mob lynching is a serious problem that jeopardizes social cohesion, the rule of law, the democratic principles of Indian society, and the goals outlined in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. Fear is sparked by these kinds of situations, especially among minorities. Although there are legal defenses against these threats, the length of legal proceedings is a result of the lack of particular legislation. India has to prioritize enhancing societal awareness, fostering conscience, and fortifying legal frameworks if it is to maintain its commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law.

Mob Lynching in India FAQs

  1. What are the issues of mob lynching?

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita includes death or grave hurt suffered by five or more individuals for specific reasons as an offense when discussing mob lynching. These grounds can be based on personal beliefs, language, caste, sex, or race. Such murders are punishable by the death penalty or a life sentence in prison. 

  • Is there any punishment for mob lynching?

The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, which aims to supplant the IPC, currently stipulates that mob lynching carries a penalty ranging from life imprisonment to death.

  • Is mob violence emerging as a serious law and order problem in India?

Inadequate reaction to the breakdown of society, an increase in moral policing, and a weak deterrent to law and order. These are a few of the most significant causes of the increase in mob violence.

  • What is the main reason for mob lynching?

Spontaneous public executions are carried out by a mob to terrify a group or punish a suspected transgressor. These kinds of events are heinous examples of bigotry, intolerance, and disrespect for the law.

  • Was mob lynching real?

Self-appointed commissions, mobs, or vigilantes frequently carried them out as a kind of retribution for alleged criminal offenses.

  • What is the conclusion of mob lynching?

Mob lynching is a flagrant breach of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 21 of the Constitution, and human dignity. Articles 14 and 15 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantee the right to equality and the prohibition of discrimination, are violated by such instances.

  • What is the reason to rise mob lynching in India?

Impunity is one of the main causes of the rise in mob lynchings. Large crowds make it difficult for police to file cases, and some people take advantage of this. Lynching is not specifically addressed by legislation, and the Indian Penal Code makes no mention of it either.

  • Which coaching is best for judiciary?

Jyoti judiciary Coaching offers the best judiciary coaching available in Jaipur. Its objective is to furnish the students with a comfortable learning atmosphere. It raises the probability of reaching the intended result by making the challenging task seem simple. Our mission at Jyoti Judiciary is to provide you with the best education we can. The Institute guarantees that it will make every effort to give you the best possible preparation for the Judicial Service entrance exams.

  • Which coaching is best for RJS preparation?

The reputable Jaipur coaching program “Jyoti Judiciary Coaching” aids students in getting ready for the RJS exam. The best both online and offline RJS coaching program in Jaipur, Jyoti Judiciary, enables a methodical approach to RJS examination preparation. With great care, their curriculum has been created to include every topic and course required to pass the Rajasthan Judicial Service Exams.

With the goal of giving students the best coaching available for law entrance exams including the CLAT, AILET, and various other numerous state judiciary exams, Jyoti Judiciary Coaching, India’s Finest educational Platform, was established. Come enrol now with Jyoti Judiciary!

For any latest news, legal topics, judiciary exams notifications, patterns, etc watch Jyoti Judiciary’s YouTube channel for legal videos for any updates at https://youtube.com/@jyotijudiciarycoaching4852?si=2cwubh9d2A9urwJf

Leave a Comment