Manipur prescribe life term in mob-lynching

The recent mob violence including death of a youth has prompted Manipur government to introduce an ordinance, prescribing life imprisonment for those involved in deaths and abetment in a mob-lynching case.

The Manipur Protection from Mob Violence Ordinance 2018, published recently, also plans to set up a special task force to collect information about people likely to commit such mob violence or involved in spreading ‘hate speeches, provocative statement or fake news.’

The BJP-ruled state witnessed strong protests after Farooque Khan, a youth was killed by a mob at Tharoijam village in Imphal East district on September 13. The youth was suspected to be involved in the theft of a motorcycle and was thrashed to death by a mob.

“It is aimed at creating a separate offence for lynching and provide adequate punishment for mob violence so as a special law in the field, would instil a sense of fear against people who involve themselves in such kind of action and for rehabilitation of the victims of mob violence and their families,” said the ordinance signed by governor Najma A. Heptulla.

This comes at a time Supreme Court had asked the Centre to formulate rules to deal with the growing problem of mob violence.

It also plans to impose fine on any household found involved in abetment in a mob violence case or harbouring those involved in such crime.

The ordinance plans to have a nodal officer in each district to be headed by a superintendent of police to deal with such mob violence and take steps for prevention of such crime. It also empowers a police officer to register an FIR under Section 153A of IPC or relevant sections of law against those who disseminate ‘explosive’ messages and videos having content which is likely to incite mob violence or lynching of any kind. Those found guilty of disseminating ‘offensive materials’—print or electronic, may invite jail term between one year to three years and fine up to Rs. 50,000.

It includes penal provision of jail up to 10 years for those found involved in mob violence causing grievous hurt to a victim.

The ordinance also has provision of appointing a designated judge for speedy trial of mob-violence related cases in the state.