The Kerala government informed the High Court that it will not proceed with the 2022 Black Magic Bill aimed at banning sorcery and inhuman practices, due to a cabinet policy decision. This choice follows ongoing court cases addressing harmful rituals and reflects the state’s stance against criminalizing such activities despite increasing concerns.
The Kerala High Court has requested an affidavit from the state government regarding its plans to enact a law against black magic and sorcery, following the 2022 petition by Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham. The urgency for such a law increased after a human sacrifice incident, with comparisons to existing laws in other states like Maharashtra and Karnataka.
A local court in Hardoi (UP) sentenced a man to life imprisonment for killing his wife in 2020, believing the act would cure his illness. The investigation revealed he suffered from filariasis and had previously sacrificed animals due to superstition. This tragic case highlights the devastating impact of blind faith and the urgent need for education and healthcare in underserved communities.
On November 6, 2024, the NBDSA ordered News18 India to remove the “Baba Bageshwar Exclusive Interview” for promoting superstition and religious discord. The complaint, filed by Indrajeet Ghorpade, highlighted the broadcaster’s responsibility for guests’ inflammatory remarks. NBDSA emphasized adherence to ethical codes in media reporting.
The Chief Justice of India, Dhananjaya Y. Chandrachud, today refused to entertain a petition seeking judicial directives to combat superstition, emphasizing that education, societal reform, and legislative action are essential. The Court stressed that courts cannot address all societal problems and that the responsibility of addressing such issues lies with civil society and democratic institutions.