The word “black magic,” or “Kala Jadu” from Hindi, refers to a broad category of supernatural activities that are thought to affect, manipulate, or hurt people. These customs are frequently based on long-standing superstitions and are occasionally carried out for control, retaliation, envy, or even financial gain. These practices can have serious repercussions, such as physical violence, emotional pain, monetary damages, and even death, even if they may be founded on traditional beliefs. Superstitions continue to have an impact on people’s lives in various regions of India. In many communities, especially in remote and tribal areas, customs like exorcism, witch-hunting, and charms are still common. In addition to violating people’s rights, these activities frequently result in abuse, exploitation, and in the worst situations, human sacrifice. However, do you know that there are actual laws against the consequences of black magic in India? Yes, you heard it right! Let us discuss the topic in detail below.
People who engage in black magic or other harmful practices may face prosecution under a number of sections of the Indian Penal Code:
- If a death results from the employment of black magic, Section 302 (Murder) is applied.
- Anyone who wilfully causes harm to another person is subject to punishment under Section 323 (Causing Hurt). It is frequently used when someone is physically hurt during rituals or exorcisms.
- Section 417 (The act of cheating): This portion deals with situations in which people deceive others, particularly for financial advantage, by using black magic and other occult practices.
- Section 374 (Unlawful Forced Labor): The IPC’s prohibitions on unlawful labor may be used if someone is coerced against their will into engaging in risky customs or dangerous activities.
Some Facts about Black Magic in India:
- Data on deaths from human sacrifice and witchcraft are provided by NCRB, which keeps track of national crime statistics.
- Six fatalities were linked to human sacrifices, and 68 killings were perpetrated for witchcraft, according to the 2021 report.
- The highest number of witchcraft cases were reported in Chhattisgarh (20), Madhya Pradesh (18), and Telangana (11).
- There were two cases of human sacrifice in Kerala.
- The NCRB study states that 11 people died as a consequence of “human sacrifices” and 88 people died as a consequence of witchcraft in India in 2020.
Maharashtra: The Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil, and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, was a highly publicized anti-superstition measure approved by the Maharashtra state government. The goal of the law is to outlaw acts that take advantage of people’s superstitions, such as black magic, human sacrifice, and using magic to cure illnesses. The Act seeks to decrease superstitions that cause financial loss and bodily injury.
The offender could be sentenced to six months to seven years in imprisonment and fined between Rs. 5,000 & Rs. 50,000 if proven guilty. Bail is not available for any of these offenses. Let’s say the defendant has been found guilty. In that instance, the police must be ordered by the appropriate court to publish the crime scene and other relevant details in a local publication.
