Gujarat Government to Introduce Bill Curbing Black Magic and Occult Practices

The Gujarat state government has informed the High Court that it will present a draft bill to curb black magic and 'aghori' practices in the next legislative session. This follows a PIL seeking action against fraudulent tantrik activities and reports of gruesome incidents involving sacrifices linked to such practices.

The Gujarat state government has announced its intention to draft a bill aimed at curbing black magic and 'aghori' practices, to be presented in the next legislative assembly session, according to an affidavit submitted to the High Court.

In response to a public interest litigation (PIL) calling for a crackdown on fraudulent tantrik activities, senior officers convened on July 23 to discuss the proposed legislation. The PIL, filed by Akhil Bhartiya Andhsraddha Nirmool Samiti, highlights rampant unlawful activities by individuals posing as godmen, aghoris, ojhas, and bhuvas.

The PIL cites several gruesome incidents, including the torture and killing of a minor girl as part of an occult ritual, and stresses the need for legislation akin to Maharashtra's Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhumane, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act 2013.

(With inputs from agencies.)