THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Even after the draft bill to prevent superstition, black magic, sorcery, and human sacrifice was ready eight years ago, the government lacked the interest or the will to pass the bill.

In 2014, the deaths of two women who lost their lives in black magic killings necessitated the need for an immediate law to prevent such evil practices. The draft bill was also prepared. However, the government’s lack of will to see it through prevented the bill from becoming an Act. Criticisms are raised now blaming the government’s apathy for the death of two women at Elanthoor in human sacrifice.

The UDF government introduced the draft bill in 2014 after adding the points of the then ADGP, A Hemachandran. When the left government came to power they sent the draft bill to the law reform commission to expand the scope of the bill. The Commission had given the revised Bill to the government last year.

Since 2014, two governments came to power in the state. During the fourteenth legislative assembly Congress leader, PT Thomas (2017), and CPM MLA, KD Prasenan (2021) brought private bills concerning it. Their bills were rejected after the government told the assembly that the government will introduce the bill.

KD Prasenan introduced the private bill last year on 6 August. The government replied that the bill was with the law reform commission. People connected with the law department are saying that suggestions are being gathered on the draft bill and the report of the commission.

The draft bill called ‘The Kerala Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices, Sorcery, and Black Magic Bill’, stipulates seven years in prison for practicing it. The death penalty will be awarded in case of death caused during black magic practices. Some other stipulations in the bill are:

If anyone is found promoting superstitions and evil practices, then they can be punished for one year and extended to seven years. Fine up to Rs.50,000 can be levied. If death occurs the accused will be charged under IPC 300 for murder which can get the death penalty.

Advertisements that promote superstitions and evil practices will also be punished according to the draft bill.

If a company is responsible for the crime, then those who are connected with it will be penalized. The police will have the right to search the place where the cheating took place and can confiscate the documents.

Harmless practices and customs that are conducted in religious places of worship are kept out of the purview of the bill.

The government must educate the public against superstition and also give counseling and treatment to the victims.