Nagpur: Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) held agitations against the Black Magic Act through different mediums like bringing together saints, religious leaders, members of Warkari Sect, Shree Sampradaya, Gayatri Parivar, Sanatan Sanstha and many other organizations by holding demonstrations, chain hunger strikes, protest marches etc. The controversial Bill was presented twice in the Legislative Assembly; but taking into account the strong opposition by many religious and spiritual organizations, the Government did not pass the Bill.
HJS has published a circular demanding that the Bill should be withdrawn and cancelled in the forthcoming budgetary session of the Assembly. A representation was given to Shri. R R Patil, the Deputy Chief Minister of the State and Minister of Public Works, Shri. Anil Deshmukh.
In an interview telecast on CNBC channel, Prof. Shyam Manav has said in his interview taken by Shri Karan Thapar, the well-known journalist that as per the proposed Act, H. Satya Saibaba can be booked under the Act for the manner in which he gives ‘prasad’ and blessings. In the same interview, Advocate Anand Grover has expressed his opinion that drafting of the Bill is confusing and not clear and can create turmoil in its implementation. It has been mentioned in the representation that since even the police department says that the present provisions under Indian Penal Code are adequate in such type of offenses and offenses registered under the said Act are minimal then where is the need to pass a new Act demanded HJS.
Under the proposed Act, proper definitions of faith, blind faith, so-called black magic, miracles etc. are not given. Therefore, the Act can be misused. It is also ultra vires of the rights conferred by Indian Constitution for freedom to follow one’s religion. It has been demanded that such controversial Act should be annulled in the forthcoming session.
