The government does not support cow vigilantism and it was for the states to crack down on such self-styled groups, the country’s top law officer told the Supreme Court on Friday.

Solicitor general Ranjit Kumar, appearing for the Centre, said law and order was a state subject and it was up to them to curb such incidents.

The government’s response was to a petition filed by social activist Tehseen Poonawala seeking direction to the Centre and some states to take action against so-called gau rakhasks, who profess to protect cows, an animal considered sacred by a section of Hindus.

It came weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned a spate of violence across India linked to the cow, saying killing in the name of cow worship was not acceptable.

“You say that law and order is a state subject and states are taking actions as per law. You don’t protect any kind of vigilantism,” a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra said.