Mumbai: Dr. Durgesh Samant, the all-India spokesperson of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) stated in a radio program ‘Dilkhulas’ broadcast on Mumbai and Pune radio stations that more than eradication of Black Magic and Blind Faith, there is likelihood of misuse of the proposed Acts. He illustrated his point by giving an example. If any religious ceremony or vowed observance like ‘Solah Somawar’ is performed, it involves some physical and mental stress to the person concerned. It requires a little expense too. But another person may feel that it is wrong to do such things and can take objection under the proposed Black Magic Act and claim that the other person is an offender under the proposed Act. An interview with Shri. Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari, the former Justice was broadcast a few days ago in the same program. Some of the points put forth by Shri. Dharmadhikari were taken up by Dr. Duregsh Samant for counter arguments.
Shri. Dharmadhikari had contended that Dharma is a personal matter. Dr. Samant said in this regard that ‘Dharma’ is not a personal matter; it helps man obtain personal benefits. Many religious rituals are performed publicly. In some villages, rituals are performed collectively. On the point of exploitation under the name of religion, Dr. Samant said that when we suggest something should not be done because it is wrong, we should be able to give an explanation as to why it is wrong and what is right. Whenever an offence is committed, there is a law in the Indian Penal Code to punish the offender; what is the necessity of a new Act for this? If one studies the proposed Act, it will be observed that it confers inappropriate rights on the police. HJS has been opposing the proposed Act for the past 3 years and it is creating awareness about it.
Source: ‘Daily Sanatan Prabhat’
Related HJS campaign
> Anti faith Bill
