New Delhi: Expressing dismay at the alleged inaction of provincial authorities, the Supreme Court today asked each state to appoint a senior police officer in each district as nodal officer to take action against cow vigilantism. The Centre contended that it was a law and order problem and a state subject. States, it submitted, are not taking adequate action against anti-social elements who are taking the law into their own hands.
Efforts shall be made to stop vigilantism. It questioned, 'Why can't states take action?' A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra, sent out the directive while hearing a plea filed by Sehzad S Poonawalla, seeking to stop cow vigilantism. The CJI observed, "You know that how large number of animals were slaughtered a few days back.
You must also file petitions against it." The apex court also made it clear that the Central and state governments must take effective steps to stop cow vigilante groups or body from taking law into their own hands and ensure that the anti-social groups or elements could not take law into their hand. Additional Solicitor General (ASG), Tushar Mehta, representing the Union of India, told the apex court that law is there to take care of any kind of untoward incident. The CJI responded, "We know laws are there, but what action has been taken. You can take planned action so that vigilantism do not grow in this sphere." (UNI)