Karnataka Must Uphold Rule Of Law, Not Mob Rule: SC
⚖️ Understanding the Principle: Rule of Law vs Mob Rule
Rule of Law means that every person and institution, including the government, is subject to and accountable under the law, which is fairly applied and enforced.
Mob Rule (also called mob justice or lynching) refers to situations where a group takes the law into their own hands, often resulting in unlawful violence or punishment without due process.
Democracy and constitutional governance depend on the rule of law — where laws govern the land, not emotions, mobs, or arbitrary actions.
🧑⚖️ Supreme Court’s Stand on Rule of Law & Mob Justice
1. S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994) 3 SCC 1
The Supreme Court emphasized the importance of constitutional governance and the rule of law.
It held that governments must act within constitutional limits and ensure law and order through lawful means.
2. Arup Bhuyan v. State of Assam (2011) 8 SCC 201
The court struck down a vigilante group’s actions as unconstitutional.
Held that taking law into one’s hands is illegal and dangerous to democracy.
3. Tehseen Poonawalla v. Union of India (2018) 9 SCC 501
The Supreme Court observed that vigilantism and mob violence undermine the rule of law and can cause breakdown of law and order.
The court called for strict action against those indulging in lynching or mob violence.
4. National Human Rights Commission v. State of Gujarat (1997) 1 SCC 73
Highlighted the state’s duty to prevent mob violence and protect citizens’ rights.
The failure to prevent mob violence amounts to violation of constitutional rights.
🔥 Karnataka’s Situation and SC’s Warning
The SC’s statement is a judicial warning to the Karnataka government to:
Prevent instances of mob violence.
Enforce laws strictly to curb vigilantism.
Protect citizens’ fundamental rights under Articles 14 (Equality before law), 19 (Freedom of Speech), and 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty).
It emphasizes that law enforcement agencies must act firmly against mobs and those promoting disorder.
The judiciary upholds that no one is above the law, and taking justice into one’s hands is a criminal offense.
⚖️ Constitutional and Legal Principles
1. Article 14 – Equality Before Law
Everyone is entitled to equal protection of the laws.
Mob rule results in arbitrary punishment without due process, violating equality.
2. Article 21 – Right to Life and Personal Liberty
Protects life and liberty, which cannot be taken away except by due process.
Mob lynching or violence is a violation of this right.
3. State’s Responsibility (Article 355)
The Union has the duty to protect states against internal disturbances.
State governments have the primary responsibility to maintain law and order.
🧑⚖️ Key Takeaways from Case Laws Against Mob Justice
| Case | Key Principle |
|---|---|
| S.R. Bommai v. Union of India | Importance of constitutional governance and rule of law |
| Arup Bhuyan v. State of Assam | Vigilantism is unconstitutional and illegal |
| Tehseen Poonawalla v. Union of India | Mob violence undermines rule of law; strict action required |
| NHRC v. State of Gujarat | State must prevent mob violence; failure amounts to violation of rights |
📜 Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s statement that “Karnataka must uphold rule of law, not mob rule” is a critical judicial reminder that:
Law and justice must be administered through courts and legal processes, not through mob violence or vigilantism.
The state and its agencies must enforce law impartially and effectively to protect citizens.
Upholding fundamental rights and constitutional principles requires rejecting mob justice.
This stance safeguards democracy, social order, and justice in society.
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