A Critical Analysis of Rising Intolerance and Growing Polarisation: Lynching

Abstract

“Fear of law and veneration for the Scomm and of the law constitutes the foundation of a civilized society. Lynching is an
affront to the rule of law and to the exalted values of the Constitution itself. We may say without any fear of contradiction
that lynching by unruly mobs and barbaric violence arising out of incitement and instigation cannot be allowed to become
the order of the day.”
-Tehseen S. Poonawalav. Union of India
The term ‘Law’ do not just have a mere existence rather is being enacted and enforced for the betterment of the public at
large. For benefits of the citizens various basic rights has been conferred upon them and accordingly their social behaviour
is being regulated. Citizens in return is required to mandatorily abide by the enforced laws.
From the era of divinity, the study of various religion has always laid emphasis on to the laid down norms to regulate the
human conduct in the society. Law has been the crucial part of this man-made society. The very basic purpose of law is to
keep a check upon the actions of the individual and to protect the society from various criminal activities. But Lynching, an
act, comprising of violence which sets aside the laid down laws is gradually becoming a fear for the public at large. It
signifies that people are seeking for instant justice for any form of crime thereby creating a threat to the existing laws
which are meant to preserve and protect the society. Nothing else can define the act of Lynching in a best possible way
then this statement given by Mahatma Gandhi: “an eye for an eye can turn the whole world blind.”