The recent plea filed by the organization Kerala Yukthi Vadi Sanghom, seeking directions to the State government to enact laws against superstitious practices like sorcery and black magic, was dismissed by the Kerala High Court. The division bench, comprising Chief Justice SV Bhatti and Justice Basant Balaji, dismissed the plea due to the absence of representation on behalf of the petitioner during multiple scheduled hearings.
The petition was filed in response to an incident of human sacrifice in the State, where two women were brutally killed and dismembered. The petitioner highlighted that such crimes related to superstitious beliefs have been occurring continuously in the State, although many go unreported. The organization claimed to have approached both the Central and State governments, submitted mass petitions, and provided model bills for legislation to combat the issue. However, since no action was taken, they sought a reminder to the State government to enact a law prohibiting black magic, witchcraft, sorcery, and other inhumane practices.
The plea also requested the government to consider and decide on the Law Reforms Commission report of 2019, which recommended the enactment of The Kerala Prevention of Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices, Sorcery and Black Magic Bill, 2019. Additionally, the petitioner urged action against the producers, directors, writers, and actors involved in movies, TV shows, and online content that promote superstitious beliefs. They also sought the declaration of black magic-related book advertisements on internet sites as illegal.
In October of the previous year, the State government informed the Court that it was actively considering the enactment of anti-superstition legislation. However, due to the absence of representation on behalf of the petitioner during the scheduled hearing, the Court dismissed the plea for default.
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