The case arose from growing concerns over incidents of lynching and mob violence in India, which were often fueled by communal tensions and social unrest. Tehseen S. Poonawalla, the petitioner, approached the Supreme Court seeking the formulation of stringent laws and guidelines to curb such violence, which undermined the rule of law and posed a significant threat to civil rights and public safety.
IssuesThe primary issues addressed by the Supreme Court included:
The Supreme Court observed that lynching is a severe affront to the rule of law and the values enshrined in the Constitution. It emphasized that vigilantism, regardless of its motivation, threatens the integrity of state institutions and alters the constitutional order. The Court recognized the urgent need for comprehensive measures to prevent such incidents, highlighting the responsibilities of the state to protect citizens from violence and uphold justice.
DecisionThe Court issued a set of guidelines aimed at preventing lynching and mob violence, which included: