Maharashtra's Anti-Black Magic Law Lacks Enforcement Rules After 12 Years
Twelve years after Maharashtra enacted the Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act in 2013, the state government has yet to frame the necessary operational rules for its enforcement. This legislative gap has left police officers uncertain about procedural guidelines, rendering the law largely ineffective on the ground. The issue has gained prominence following the recent scandal involving godman Ashok Kharat, which prompted a surge in complaints to anti-superstition activists. Organizations like the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (ANiS), founded by the late rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, are urging the state to expedite the rule-making process. While the Act criminalizes exploitative superstitious practices with penalties ranging from six months to seven years in prison, the absence of detailed implementation frameworks hinders consistent application. Senior police officials acknowledge that many personnel are unfamiliar with the law due to the missing rules, though training efforts are reportedly underway. Activists highlight that over 1,500 cases have been registered since 2013, but the lack of clear directives continues to undermine justice for victims of black magic accusations and financial fraud linked to superstition.
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Maharashtra's Anti-Black Magic Law Lacks Enforcement Rules After 12 Years
Twelve years after Maharashtra enacted the Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act in 2013, the state government has yet to frame the necessary operational rules for its enforcement. This legislative gap has left police officers uncertain about procedural guidelines, rendering the law largely ineffective on the ground. The issue has gained prominence following the recent scandal involving godman Ashok Kharat, which prompted a surge in complaints to anti-superstition activists. Organizations like the Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmulan Samiti (ANiS), founded by the late rationalist Narendra Dabholkar, are urging the state to expedite the rule-making process. While the Act criminalizes exploitative superstitious practices with penalties ranging from six months to seven years in prison, the absence of detailed implementation frameworks hinders consistent application. Senior police officials acknowledge that many personnel are unfamiliar with the law due to the missing rules, though training efforts are reportedly underway. Activists highlight that over 1,500 cases have been registered since 2013, but the lack of clear directives continues to undermine justice for victims of black magic accusations and financial fraud linked to superstition.
The Indian Express