Supreme Court: Gangsters Act misused in social media mob attack case

Why in news

The Supreme Court ruled that the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act was misused to prosecute individuals involved in a mob attack triggered by a social media post.

Background

The Supreme Court, in a judgment authored by Justice Sandeep Mehta on June 21, 2025, held that the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act is intended for organized crime, not communal disturbances. The case involved a mob vandalizing a business following a derogatory social media post.

Facts for Prelims

• BodySupreme Court of India: The highest judicial body in India.
• FactUttar Pradesh Gangsters Act: A state-specific law designed to curb organized crime.
• FactJudgment Date: June 21, 2025.

For Mains

Q. Discuss the implications of using stringent anti-organized crime laws to address communal disturbances and the role of the judiciary in preventing the misuse of penal statutes.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

• misuse of stringent laws
• judicial oversight
• social media regulation
• rule of law

Keywords: misuse of power · judicial review · organized crime · communal harmony · penal statutes

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