Between Murder and Mob Lynching: An MP Court's Unusual Verdict

Between Murder and Mob Lynching: An MP Court's Unusual Verdict

Eight years ago, the Supreme Court warned that mob violence must not be allowed to become “the new normal”. In Tehseen S Poonawalla v Union of India, it treated lynching not as ordinary disorder, but as an assault on the rule of law. It told governments to prevent such violence, register complaints promptly, protect witnesses, compensate victims, and try these cases quickly. It also said that, on conviction, courts should ordinarily award the ma…

Court recognises mob lynching as aggravating factor, sentences seven to life for 2022 cow-vigilantism killing

In a significant judgment addressing vigilante violence carried out in the name of preventing cattle transportation, a Sessions Court in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram district has convicted seven men and sentenced them to life imprisonment for the 2022 lynching of Najir Ahmed, who was assaulted along with two others on suspicion of cow smuggling. The judgment, delivered on June 12, 2026 by First Additional Sessions Judge Tabassum Khan, found Dee…

Court convicts seven men in 2022 cow-vigilantism lynching case; holds mob lynching proven, awards life imprisonment

In a significant judgment addressing vigilante violence carried out in the name of preventing cattle transportation, a Sessions Court in Madhya Pradesh’s Narmadapuram district has convicted seven men and sentenced them to life imprisonment for the 2022 lynching of Najir Ahmed, who was assaulted along with two others on suspicion of cow smuggling. The judgment, delivered on June 12, 2026 by First Additional Sessions Judge Tabassum Khan, found Dee…