Mob Lynching In India: Social Triggers, Vulnerable Communities, And Legal Challenges
Deep Satija, BBA LLB (Hons.), Maharaja Agrasen Institute of Management (Department of Law), Sector-22, Rohini, Delhi-110086
ABSTRACT
Mob lynching has emerged as a serious form of collective violence in India, posing a threat to the rule of law, constitutional values, and social harmony. It refers to the unlawful killing or violent punishment of a person by a group that takes the law into its own hands without following legal procedures. This article looks at mob lynching in India. In recent years, such incidents have increased due to rumours, misinformation, religious sentiments, caste tensions, and accusations spread rapidly through social media. Vulnerable groups such as religious minorities, Scheduled Castes, migrant workers, and economically weaker sections are often the main victims. The issue raises significant legal concerns despite constitutional protections and judicial intervention, particularly in Tehseen S. Poonawalla v. Union of India. Although the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and constitutional provisions address related offences, India still lacks a comprehensive central law specifically targeting mob lynching. A combined legal, social, and awareness-based approach is necessary to effectively address this growing problem. The article concludes with highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach. This approach should not only include stronger legal tools but also a responsible social media oversight and a greater public awareness to prevent Mob Lynching incidents and maintain justice, dignity and equality.
