Two legislators of the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) in the Maharashtra Assembly are likely to introduce a Bill “for the prevention and punishment of mob violence and lynching in India” during the winter session in Nagpur.
“After growing cases of intolerance leading to mob violence and lynching incidents in the country, the AIMIM legislators will bring a Bill in the winter session of the Assembly beginning on December 11, for prevention and punishment for such cases,” AIMIM Aurangabad MLA Imtiaz Jaleel said in a press statement on Tuesday.
“The Mob Violence (Prevention and Punishment) Bill 2017 aims to make a law that provides for punishment of persons involved in lynching or other forms of mob violence. The proposed Bill will also include acts of omission by public servants in relation to such acts, and provide procedural safeguards for victims and witnesses of mob violence, including the establishment of special courts,” Mr. Jaleel added.
The MLA said that Article 21 of the Constitution protects and safeguards the right to life and liberty to all, and safeguarding fundamental rights is the primary obligation of the State.
“However, there has been a recorded increase in the number of incidents involving lynching and mob violence on the basis of an individual’s identity. To assure citizens of their safety, ensure timely justice for the victims and enable prevention of such incidents, there is a need for a special legislation aimed at providing special courts, independence in investigation and protection for witnesses and victims. Furthermore, it has been observed that acts of omission of public servants who have the legal authority or obligation to protect victims must be penalised in order to create a deterrent effect and provide for a remedy under the law. The Bill will also provide for appropriate compensation to victims of mob violence,” he said.
