Karnataka Anti-Superstition Bill-Tackling the Evil Within
In the month of November, the Karnataka State assembly passed the anti-superstition Bill or the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2017. Under the much-awaited bill, up to 23 inhuman practices undertaken in the name of “supernatural” or black magic are banned. According to it, such exploitative activities have no place in a civilised society governed by the rule of law.
The original bill had provisions for banning astrology and animal sacrifices. If passed, the impact would have been huge, albeit radical. However, after a lot of backlashes and with the upcoming state elections, the provisions were removed and the bill modified.
Other acts like the piercing of ears and nose of children as part of rituals, speeches and distribution of literature about “miracles” done by saints etc. are also exempted from the Bill.
