Karnataka Govt senses trouble, to bring in modified Anti-Superstition Bill
Bengaluru: Sensing that there could be a spurt in public anger against the proposed Anti-Superstition Bill, the state government has decided to come up with a modified version of the bill by naming it ‘Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Bill-2016.’
The Siddaramaiah headed Congress government is keen on bringing in the bill but is worried over the ramifications as the government would not like to tamper with religious beliefs. Earlier, the government had decided to formulate the Evil, Inhuman and Superstitious Practices Prevention Bill but has now omitted the word, ‘Superstitious’ from the title of the bill.
A senior official in the Law and Parliamentary Affairs ministry said: “I am not sure whether the government will place the bill in the coming session of the legislature, but before placing the bill, it has to be approved by the Cabinet. The government will not call it Anti-Superstition Bill, we are only concerned about the eradication of evil practices and black magic.”
Going by the government version, the bill will not ban religious beliefs which are practised in the state since time immemorial. “The government cannot impose a blanket ban on superstition. Some people believe in it, others do not. The government cannot ban astrology but it has the power to ban evil practices which have been practised by astrologers or tantriks”, the officer added.
Earlier, the government was considering banning Made Snana-a practice in which devotees roll over meal leftovers. But now, it has developed cold feet as it feels it may invite severe criticism from the public especially right wing elements. A case on Made Snana is pending before the Supreme Court.
Other bills
Besides the much talked about Anti-Superstition Bill, the government has decided to place a few amendment bills before the coming session. It is likely to bring an amendment to the Police Act by giving powers to Deputy Commissioners to chair the District police complaint authority instead of Regional Commissioners, a senior official said.
