Karnataka Anti-Superstition Bill-Tackling the Evil Within
As per the Karnataka anti-superstition Bill, 2017, officers need to be appointed to ensure the implementation and check the violation of the bill. Those who form a hindrance in the discharge of the officer’s duties will be fined and jailed or both.
The Bill has been criticised and accused of only tackling superstitious beliefs of the Hindu religion. Narendra Nayak, president of FIRA, who had campaigned for the law, endorsed the bill but said: “I knew they won’t ban the most popular superstitions, such as astrology and Vaastu, and won’t have the guts to touch the practices of other religions.” (The Telegraph)
This law, like every other law, will prove to be effective only if it is implemented actively. There are varying views about the need and utility of an anti-superstition law. People stand divided on the issue, some say laws already exist to prevent such inhuman practices others believe state intervention is needed.