Karnataka Assembly Passes Anti-Superstition Bill to Prevent, Eradicate Inhuman Practices

Belagavi: Karnataka government’s much-hyped anti-superstition bill to prevent and eradicate ‘inhuman evil practices’ was unanimously passed with some minor amendments in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday at winter session of the state legislature being held at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi.

The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2017, tabled in the Assembly on Tuesday, states that it intends to protect the common people against ‘evil’ and ‘sinister’ practices.

The bill seeks to combat and eradicate other such inhuman practices propagated and performed in the name of ‘black magic’ by conman with sinister motive of exploiting the common people, thereby destroying the social fabric in the society. Further, it aims to bring social awakening and awareness in the society and create healthy and safe social environment.

Replying to the debate, Social Justice Minister H Anjaneya said certain minor amendments sought by some members would be made part of the bill. Practices like ‘Mudradharane’ by Madhwa Brahmins have been exempted.

 ‘Vashikarana’, practised in occult science as an act of subjugation or advertising about it in the name of treatment has been banned, following the suggestions made by the members during the debate.

The legislation was earlier proposed as The Evil, Inhuman and Superstitious Practices Prevention Bill. After omitting the word superstitious, it is now titled The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2017. Cleared by the government on September 27, the cabinet had earlier discussed the bill under the title The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Bill.