KOCHI:  The Kerala High Court has rejected a plea that sought directions  to pass legislation to prohibit superstitious practises like sorcery and black magic.

An NGO called Kerala Yukthi Vadi Sanghom initiated the petition. A human sacrifice episode in the state, in which two women were slaughtered and their remains dismembered, led to the filing of the plea.

The appeal was denied by a division bench consisting of Chief Justice S.V. Bhatti and Justice Basant Balaji. The petitioner claims that this wasn't the only instance of its kind.

The superstitious belief in witchcraft and black magic has been linked to a number of cases of human sacrifice and other crimes. Black magic and witchcraft are being practised by some people for the benefit of God's grace, financial gain, employment, the resolution of family issues, childbirth, and a variety of other desires, according to the petition. The majority of the victims are women and children who belong to the downtrodden.

The petitioner-organization asserts that it approached the federal and state governments and provided model bills for the statute in an effort to have a sufficient law enacted to address the issue.  Since no action was seen to be taken, however, the plea was moved.

The petition also requested that the government be instructed to take into account and decide on the Justice K.T. Thomas-submitted Law Reforms Commission report of 2019 regarding the passage of the Kerala Prevention of Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practises, Sorcery, and Black Magic Bill, 2019.

The argument also made the point that there are numerous films, telefilms, and commercials that promote superstitious beliefs and practises on television, YouTube, and OTT platforms. As a result, necessary measures must be done.

The petitioner also asked for the prohibition of book advertisements about black magic on websites.The state government had informed the court in October of last year that it is seriously considering passing anti-superstition laws.

However, the Court chose to dismiss the matter for default because no one showed up on behalf of the petitioner when the case was posted for hearing.

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