Abstract

The act of killing someone without a trial or other legal process is known as mob lynching. In India, the number of lynching cases has been steadily rising since 2006. Because there are millions of social media users in India, rumours and false information can spread quickly throughout the country. Violence has also been fostered by police incompetence and religious issues. This study intends to investigate the rise, causes, and patterns of mob lynching in India. It was developed by reviewing pertinent literature on the subject. This paper analyses the issue of mob lynching and the criminal threat it poses to humanity, highlighting its far-reaching impact both within India and globally. Mob lynching is a serious threat to human rights, culture, nationality, social harmony, and life itself. Individuals involved in these unlawful acts often fail to realize the consequences of their actions, not only in terms of legal repercussions but also in the physical, emotional, and psychological toll it can take on their own lives. Lynching, ragging, and leg-pulling are clearly defined as criminal acts under the law, yet they remain a sensitive issue that is difficult to openly address. These crimes are deeply felt and experienced only by the victims, who often suffer in silence. While freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed under Article 19(1) (a) of the Indian Constitution, this right does not extend to promoting criminal activities, including lynching or other forms of violence. The media often exacerbates the situation by interviewing witnesses and others involved in these incidents, even though such matters are not yet legally addressed or may have already been dismissed in public discourse. This sensationalism can diminish the pursuit of justice and weaken the efforts to address the crime through legal channels. The impact of mob lynching extends beyond the victims; it undermines the justice system itself, potentially leading to the miscarriage of justice in the future. Multiple sectors whether directly or indirectly play a role in supporting or tolerating these unlawful acts, contributing to the perpetuation of mob violence. This research paper provides a detailed analysis of mob lynching and the laws related to it in India and other countries. Mob lynching is a growing issue in developing India, where crowds gather to publicly execute violent acts without considering the legal process. This behavior is linked to antisocial tendencies. The paper also discusses notable mob lynching cases in India

Keywords