Good Move! Finally, Karnataka Assembly passes ‘Anti- Superstition Bill’

Bengaluru, November 17: The controversial ‘Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill 2017’, was passed in the Assembly. The Bill was tabled by Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya on Tuesday. 'Vashikarana', an occult practice of subjugation was also banned after the discussion in the Assembly. 

Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya said that based on discussions, performing Vashikarana or advertising about it will be banned. After the discussion, Social Welfare Minister, H Anjaneya, said that some suggestions made at the Assembly would be included in the bill.

Which practices are proposed to be banned according to the tabled Bill?

Performing any black magic, inhumane act and evil practices in search of treasure or bounty, tantric acts which include physical and sexual assault will be banned if the bill is passed by the Assembly. Practices such as parading people naked, ostracizing a person in the name of a ritual and encouraging inhumane acts during said rituals, also come under the purview of the bill. Rituals of exorcism, assaulting people under the pretext of exorcism, misinformation and creating a panic-like situation under the pretext of ghosts and black magic will also be banned. Other practices such as making claims of having healing power, propagating practices that involve self-mutilation and coercing people to perform fire-walking will also be banned.

Which practices are not included?

Any form of worship including pradakshine, yatra, parikrama at any religious shrines, harikatha, keerthana, pravachana, bhajans do not come under the purview of the bill. Providing knowledge of ancient arts and practices, speaking about miracles performed by deceased saints and literature on them offering prayers, upasana, religious rituals at places of worship or at people’s homes, religious celebrations, festivals, processions, piercing of ears and nose, shaving of head, astrology and vaastu are considered acceptable under the bill.

Although most of the members of the Opposition did not object to the contents of the Bill, BJP MLA from Chikkamagaluru, CT Ravi, argued that the state government could not curb certain practices of the Hindu community. “Why should it be banned? If people want to do it willingly, there is no harm. If someone is forced to do it, then the government can make it punishable,” further leader CT Ravi said.

However, stating that certain practices need to be added to the list of banned ones, JD(S) leader YSV Datta said that the practice of Mahamatsabhisheka at Sravanabelagola, where litres of milk are poured on the idol of Bahubali, must also be banned. While MLA BR Patil demanded that astrology and Vaastu also be included in the ambit of the bill, Leader of Opposition of the Assembly said that the law should include methods to create awareness among people about superstitious practices.