Gujarat to Introduce Draft Bill Against Superstition, Black Magic, and Inhumane Practices in Upcoming Assembly Session

In response to a public interest litigation petition urging the Gujarat High Court to address the menace of superstition and black magic, the Deputy Secretary in charge of the Home Department submitted an affidavit to the Gujarat High Court. 

The affidavit announced a significant and major decision by the government: a draft bill to combat and eradicate black magic and inhumane activities will be introduced in the upcoming session of the Gujarat Assembly. In short, the government has made it clear that a law will be enacted to tackle this issue.

Affidavit Filed in High Court Announcing Measures Against Black Magic and Malpractices

In the affidavit submitted by the state government, it was stated that Maharashtra has implemented the “Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifices and Other Inhumane Practices and Black Magic Act-2013.” Additionally, similar laws are in effect in other states such as Karnataka, Odisha, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, and Assam.

No Law Against Black Magic and Inhumane Practices in Gujarat

The state government candidly admitted before the High Court that there is currently no law in Gujarat to address black magic and inhumane practices. 

On July 23, 2024, a crucial meeting was held with the state’s Home Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary of the Home Department, Additional Director General (Law and Order), and Additional Director General (Criminal Investigation Department and Railways). This meeting extensively discussed the matter.

Draft Bill to be Presented in Upcoming Assembly Session

Following thorough deliberation, the government has decided to present a draft bill in the upcoming Gujarat Assembly session aimed at combating and eradicating black magic and inhumane practices. 

The public interest litigation filed before the High Court highlighted issues such as the significant occurrence of superstition and black magic cases in Gujarat over a prolonged period and the lack of any legal provisions to identify and prevent superstition.

Superstition Affects Marginalized and Tribal Communities More

Just four days after the murder of Narendra Dabholkar, the founder of the Maharashtra Anti-Superstition Committee, a decree regarding the law was issued in Maharashtra and later passed in the Assembly. 

Victims of superstition, black magic, and inhumane practices are predominantly from marginalized and tribal communities, though other segments of society also suffer in one way or another. Therefore, for the protection and safety of people, implementing and enforcing such laws in Gujarat is crucial. The petitioner also highlighted several cases related to superstition in Gujarat.