Kerala High Court urges special cell for black magic and inhuman practices complaints

The Hindu
The Hindu
4h ago
The Kerala High Court asked the State government to consider setting up a special cell to deal with offences and complaints involving black magic, witchcraft, sorcery, and other inhuman practices while hearing a PIL seeking an anti-superstition law.
Kerala High Court urges special cell for black magic and inhuman practices complaints
A What happened
The Kerala High Court asked the State government to consider setting up a special cell to deal with offences related to black magic, witchcraft, sorcery, and other inhuman practices. The suggestion came during hearings on a 2022 PIL by the Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham seeking legislation similar to Maharashtra and Karnataka laws to prohibit harmful rituals. The PIL was filed in the wake of the alleged human sacrifice of two women in Pathanamthitta district. The government said an expert committee had held two sittings and sought more time for stakeholder consultations, while also stating it had proposed the Kerala Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices, Sorcery and Black Magic Bill, 2022.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Court urged interim enforcement steps: The court said the State ought to consider a special cell as an interim measure, irrespective of steps already contemplated to enact special legislation.

  • 2

    Government position cited existing laws and a proposed bill: Affidavits cited existing criminal and special laws as adequate for cases involving harm, and stated that a 2022 bill had been proposed to address inhuman evil practices, sorcery, and black magic.

Takeaways

The Kerala High Court urged Kerala to consider a special cell for complaints involving black magic and inhuman practices while the State continues consultations and work on proposed legislation.

Topics

World & Politics Policy & Regulation Law & Public Safety Crime & Justice Courts

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