The ruling Congress Government in poll-bound Karnataka has got the controversial superstition Bill passed to eradicate evil practices. Based on Maharashtra model the diluted bill was passed in the ongoing winter session of the Assembly giving boost to the credence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who has pushed it hard amidst internal dissent.
Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2017, popularly known as the ‘anti-superstition’ Bill had become an issue for the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who is playing the appeasement politics to the hilt.
The bill has exempted stamping of mudra on the body, a practice in the upper caste community (Madhwa Brahmins), but advertisements that offer miracle cures for diseases have been banned.
In his reply, Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya said all suggestions given by members would be considered while formulating rules to the Act. The entire Opposition welcomed the Bill and suggested that more attention should be given to creating awareness about prevailing superstitions among various lower caste communities.
The bill bans 'Vashikarana', an occult practice of subjugation and also bans performing Vashikarana or advertising about it. JD(S) President HD Kumaraswamy requested that the Government ban the practice of conducting poojas in Government offices. The Bill was passed by voice vote.
Performing any black magic, inhumane act and evil practices in search of treasure or bounty, tantric acts which include physical and sexual assault will be banned as per the bill.
Rituals of exorcism, assaulting people under the pretext of exorcism, misinformation and creating a panic-like situation under the pretext of ghosts and black magic come under the purview of this bill.
Any form of worship including pradakshine, yatra, parikrama at any religious shrines, harikatha, keerthana, pravachana, bhajans do not come under the purview of the bill. Providing knowledge of ancient arts and practices, speaking about miracles performed by deceased saints and literature on them offering prayers, upasana, religious rituals at places of worship or at people’s homes, religious celebrations, festivals, processions, piercing of ears and nose, shaving of head, astrology and vaastu are considered acceptable under the bill.