Bengaluru: Piercing iron rods into the body, pulling chariots with the same, walking over live charcoal and the likes have been practiced by people over centuries to fulfill their vows to their deities. However, now with the Anti Superstition Bill being gazetted and approved by the Governor all of this and more have been listed as punishable offence.
As per the act, if any person dies or is injured while indulging in any superstitious practices, then a case of Murder under Section 302 as well as Attempt to Murder under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code can be registered.
Acts such as performing an evil act of black magic (Mata, mantra, Banamati), harm caused due to chilly smoke, subjecting women to inhuman and humiliating practices such as parading them naked in the name of worship or Betthale service, hanging from a hook; inserted into the body or pulling a chariot by hook inserted into the body, throwing children into thorns, preventing a person from taking medical treatment for ailments for religious purposes, assault (or any other inhuman practice) in name of expelling ghosts, claiming to perform surgery by fingers or claiming to change the sex of a foetus in the womb of a woman, persuading, propagating or facilitating rituals involving harm inflicted on children in the name of curing them, have been banned.
Important to DK District
The coastal district of Dakshina Kannada hogs the limelight every year during the Shashti festival of the renowned and richest temple of the region-Kukke Subramanya temple. A particular ritual called Madesnana is performed here. During this ritual any devotee who aspires to fulfill his vow of madesnana can roll over the leaves of food partaken by the Brahmin community. The ritual has been opposed by many who claim it to be inhuman. However, there are large sections of people who are supportive of the same claiming it to be an individual’s choice. The Act has brought Madesnana too under its purview.
Punishment
If convicted, the accused will have to undergo an imprisonment from one to seven years and pay a fine amount from Rs 5,000- Rs 50,000.
As per the act, the state government has appointed a special officer who will work with the police department and conduct raids in places were such practices are expected to take place.
What is not banned
* Pradakshina, yatra, parikrama performed at religious places
* Harikatha, keerthana, pravachana, bhajana, teaching of ancient and traditional learning and arts, practice, propagation and circulation
* Performance of prayers, upasana and religious rituals at home, temple, darghas, gurdwara, pagoda, church, and other religious places which do not cause physical injury
* All religious celebrations, festivals, prayers, processions
* Piercing of ears and nose of children
* Advice with regard to vaastu shasthra, and advice by jyothishya and other astrologers
