Superstition is a term derived from the Latin word ‘Superstitio,’ referring to an extreme fear of God. It is a belief shaped by ignorance or fear, featuring obsessive reverence for the supernatural. This phenomenon is not unique to any particular country, religion, culture, community, region, or class; it is prevalent worldwide.
Black magic, also known as witchcraft, is defined as the use of supernatural power for evil and selfish purposes. It involves performing malicious practices to harm someone physically, mentally, or financially, using personal items like hair or clothing, photos, or even by looking directly into their eyes.
The Reality of Superstitious Killings in India
The shocking murder of two women in Kerala, allegedly as part of “ritualistic human sacrifices,” has sparked nationwide debate about the existence of superstitious beliefs, black magic, and witchcraft in India. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), six deaths in 2021 were associated with human sacrifices, while 68 others were driven by witchcraft. The maximum number of witchcraft cases were from Chhattisgarh (20), followed by Madhya Pradesh (18) and Telangana (11). In 2020, 88 deaths were attributed to witchcraft, and 11 were reportedly due to ‘human sacrifices’.
A Look at Relevant Indian Laws
Indian law does not have a specific central regulation to address crimes related to witchcraft, superstition, or occult-inspired activities. While a Prevention of Witch-Hunting Bill was proposed in the Lok Sabha in 2016, it did not pass. Nevertheless, existing provisions under the Indian Penal Code and the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, 1954 serve to discourage and address consequences of such activities. Under the Indian Constitution, it is a fundamental duty of citizens to develop scientific temper, humanism, and a spirit of inquiry and reform.
State-wise Anti-Superstition Laws in India
Several states, including Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have enacted laws to prevent witchcraft and related practices. The Bihar Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act came into effect in October 1999. Maharashtra enacted its legislation in 2013, banning human sacrifice, while Karnataka’s anti-superstition law came into effect in 2017. As it presently stands, Kerala does not have a comprehensive Act to address black magic and other superstitions.
The Call for a Country-Wide Anti-superstition Act
There is a growing demand for a nationwide anti-superstition law, as the unchecked continuation of such practices stands in violation of an individual’s fundamental rights to equality and life, as enshrined by Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. These practices also contravene several international legislations, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948, The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, 1966, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, 1979.
Campaigning for Change
Legislation alone will not entirely solve the issue; there must also be efforts to raise awareness among the population. Information campaigns and engagement with community/religious leaders could play a crucial role in debunking myths associated with superstitious beliefs and practices.
Superstitions and Public Health
In the absence of measures to tackle superstitions, unscientific and irrational practices like faith healing, quackery, and medical misinformation can proliferate, posing severe threats to public order and public health. Only eight states in India, namely Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, Rajasthan, Assam, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, have witch-hunting legislations so far, indicating a significant gap in legal protection against such malpractices.
