Gujarat Assembly unanimously passed the “Prevention and Abolition of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Cruel Practices, Black Magic Bill, 2024.” Opposition Congress Party extended out its support to the bill and said that they had previously introduced a similar bill in 2008. They claimed that the bill was turned down by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Whoever, who violates the provisions of the bill will be awarded with imprisonment between 6 months and 7 years. They will also be imposed a fine up to Rs 50,000. The bill aims to eliminate inhuman, black magic and human sacrifice practices happening in Gujarat. Harsh Sanghavi, Minister of State for Home introduced this bill on the first day of Monsoon Session, which will now be sent to Governor for acceptance. The bill comes in light of the increased evil practices in the state directed towards exploitation of common people.
Objects & Reasons Behind The Bill
The statement on the objects and reasons behind passing this bill states that the government strictly adhere to effective social and legal measures to eliminate the spread of inhuman, evil practices. The statement further adds that it is important to save common citizens from anti-social as well as harmful activities by black magicians and con men. These activities poses a threat to the social fibre and faith within the common people regarding authentic, scientific medical cures and remedies.
The act gives the state government, the power to appoint one or more vigilance officer for one or more police stations. Stressing on the Act, Harsh Sanghavi said that the bill is especially meant to protect women victims from such harmful practices.
Congress Claims Of Introducing A Similar Private Bill In 2008
Congress Deputy Leader Shailesh Parmar mentioned in the House that a similar private bill has been presented earlier on 2008 by then Congress MLA Kunvarji Bavaliya. However, it was rejected by then Home Minister Praful Patel on the grounds that it was unimportant as various laws have already been made regarding that. Meanwhile, he said that the bill should not hurt the faith of ‘Bhuvas’ performing religious work and register their names to avoid harassment.
BJP Clears The Bill’s Intention
BJP MLA CJ Chavda made it clear in the house that “The ban is on black magic.” The bill doesn’t restrict a person having faith. Sanghavi concluded his address by saying that the bill is intended to prohibit only harmful practices, not unharmful religious practices. He said, “How can there be a comparison between tying a thread…performing puja and hanging a person by hair and branding her with…” He further said that the law will save peoples’ life.
Instances Of Black Magic In Gujarat
Sanghvi, in his speech mentioned some of the earlier heart-pounding incidents registered in Gujarat. He said that one such case happened in a village of Banaskantha district where a person killed a child on the promise that he would be married by performing human sacrifice.
In Aravalli district, an old woman (70) was killed by her own grandson who claimed her to be a witch. In yet another incident in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, a man kept his 14-year-old daughter in his farm near the fire for two hours, believing her to be possessed. He did so to remove the possession. Sanghvi also cited other such cases of evil practices too.
