BENGALURU: The Karnataka High Court has directed the state government to formulate a scheme within three months for providing interim compensation to victims of mob violence or their immediate family members.
Justice Vijaykumar A Patil issued the direction while dismissing petitions filed by the state government and Abdul Jabbar, brother of Mangaluru mob-lynching victim Mohammed Ashraf, challenging bail granted to the accused.
The court noted that the chargesheet had already been filed and held that bail could not be cancelled merely because the accused no longer needed to remain in custody. Re-arresting them at this stage could also delay the trial, it observed.
Referring to Supreme Court guidelines on mob violence, the HC directed the government to submit a compliance report on steps taken to frame the compensation scheme. It also said such cases should be tried within a stipulated timeframe and directed disciplinary action against officials who fail to prevent or control mob violence.
The order further directed that a copy be sent to all principal district and sessions courts and that victims be made parties to proceedings in such cases.
The case pertains to the death of Mohammed Ashraf, who allegedly died following a mob assault at a cricket ground behind Bhatra Kallurti temple in Kudupu village, Mangaluru taluk, on April 27, 2025.
Police had booked 20 people in connection with the incident, with most of the accused later securing bail. The state had sought cancellation of their bail before the High Court.