Black magic should attract life term

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state police have mooted  a law to curb black magic and superstition that prescribes stringent punishment ranging from three years’ jail to life term to the perpetrators of the act.

ADGP (Intelligence) A. Hemachandran drafted the Bill following a series of superstitious acts that even claimed the lives of three women in the recent past. It also recommends  punishment to those propagating superstition.

Titled Kerala Exploitation by Superstition (Prevention) Act, the draft Bill proposes three to seven years’ imprisonment to those causing physical or mental injuries and pecuniary loss to any person by way of supernatural or magical acts.

In case of sexual offences committed under the cover of superstition or black magic, it  prescribes five years’ imprisonment. A fine  could be imposed on the basis of the severity of the offence.

The punishment would be limited to only those ‘intentionally’ propagating such acts.  The media publishing advertisements promoting superstition may also be held liable, Home department sources said.

Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala told the Assembly on Thursday that the draft Bill  was being vetted by the government.

Replying to a calling- attention motion by  Mr Shafi Parambil seeking  legislation against black magic, he also said that television channels would be urged to avoid programmes promoting superstitions.

At present, only Maharashtra has  legislation against superstitions  titled ‘The Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.’  Chief Whip P.C. George has also mooted   legislation in this regard.