Kerala's Legislative Battle Against Sorcery and Black Magic Practices

The Kerala High Court has demanded clarity from the state government on its previously stated intention to legislate against black magic and sorcery. This development follows a dismissed, but now reinstated, petition from the Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham urging legal action.

In a session led by Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, the court instructed the government to submit an affidavit affirming its stance on the proposed legislation. This issue will be revisited on June 24. The petition highlights that Maharashtra and Karnataka have enacted similar laws and questions Kerala's delay.

Originating from a 2022 incident where a couple was arrested related to ritual human sacrifices in Pathanamthitta, the petition seeks broader reforms. It argues for a declaration against media content promoting superstitious beliefs unless they are artistically valuable or well-intentioned.

(With inputs from agencies.)