Gujarat assembly passes law to end black magic, human sacrifices, and aghori practices

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat Assembly unanimously passed the ‘Gujarat Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil, and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2024’ on the first day of the monsoon session that commenced today.

Minister of State for Home Harsh Sanghavi introduced the bill, which also received support from the main opposition. It will now be forwarded to the Governor for approval.

The bill stipulates that engaging in or promoting human sacrifice, inhuman or evil practices, ‘aghori’ rituals, or black magic is prohibited. Those found guilty of these offenses will be subject to imprisonment ranging from six months to seven years and fines between Rs 5,000 and Rs 50,000.

It also stipulates that those aiding, abetting, or attempting to commit such offenses will be treated as offenders and punished accordingly.

All offenses under this Act will be cognizable and non-bailable, and they will be tried by a Judicial Magistrate First Class. Additionally, the state government will appoint a “vigilance officer” of the rank of police inspector or higher for one or more police stations.

This bill comes after the BJP-led state government assured the Gujarat High Court earlier this month that it would introduce legislation against black magic and ‘aghori’ practices in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) calling for action against fraudulent godmen and charlatans.

While presenting the bill, MoS Harsh Sanghavi emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting citizens from superstition-driven harassment.

He cited several cases where superstitious practices, such as black magic, have led to deaths, including those of children. Sanghavi expressed concern over the growing number of cases where ordinary people are exploited by conmen claiming to practice black magic. He stressed that a specialized law is essential to combat these heinous crimes and eradicate such evil practices from society.

“It has become necessary for the government to take appropriate and stringent measures to effectively prevent and eradicate the harmful and inhuman practices to protect common people from black magicians and conmen,” Sanghavi stated.

The act differentiates between faith and superstition in Section 2, which details various offenses like human sacrifice, black magic, physical abuse, and deceptive claims of performing miracles.

Additionally, it prohibits claims of possessing supernatural powers and discourages individuals from seeking medical treatment, instead promoting ‘dhaga-dora’ and ‘tantra-mantra’ remedies.

Sanghavi also recounted recent incidents in Gujarat, including a child sacrifice in Banaskantha, a man in Gir Somnath who tried to exorcise his daughter by keeping her near a fire, the killing of a 70-year-old woman in Aravalli for being labeled a witch, and the sexual assault of a girl in Surat by a tantrik. DeshGujarat