Overview
- The bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant described the 2018 Tehseen Poonawalla guidelines to curb cow vigilantism and mob violence as general directions that are “unmanageable.”
- The court refused to entertain a contempt petition by Samastha Kerala Jamiathul Ulema alleging non-compliance, dismissing it with liberty to pursue available legal remedies.
- The judges stressed that individuals have recourse through local courts when rights are infringed and said immediate action should follow any such violation.
- Reaffirming earlier observations, the court indicated it cannot micro-manage mob-lynching prosecutions across diverse states from Delhi and prefers fact-specific adjudication.
- In prior submissions, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta noted mob-lynching is a separate offence under the new criminal law while stating the 2018 directions remain binding in principle.