Hyderabad: Most cases of sorcery in Hyderabad are booked on charges of cheating, public nuisance etc. The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertise-ments) Act, 1954 is considered outdated and feeble because of the low rate of conviction.
“This law prohibits advertising of drugs and remedies for miscarriage or preventing conception in women for sexual pleasure, curing, diagnosing or preventing any disease. However, when it comes to black magic practiced by sorcerers for financial gain, this act cannot deliver justice to victims,” said Gulam Rabbani, a human rights lawyer in the city.
The conviction rate under this law is almost zero in Hyderabad. If a cheat is convicted, he will have to pay a small penalty and face a maximum sentence of six months imprisonment with or without fine on first conviction. For subsequent conviction, the term may be up to a year.
“The problem with the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act is that it does not cover the real offences. Police generally try to substitute with IPC sections for cheating etc, which is not so effective,” said a prominent lawyer.
