From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Sep 27: Ending the inordinate delay, the Siddaramaiah Cabinet has finally given its approval for the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Bill, 2017, which is known as the anti-superstition bill in common parlance, at its meeting on Wednesday.

The State Cabinet, which met with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presiding, cleared the much-delayed and debated bill which provides for banning made snana (rolling over banana leaves with food left over by Brahmins) at Kukke Subrahmanya temple in Dakshina Kannada district.

However, in the diluted version of the bill that was approved, astrology or vaastu are not banned as against the original proposal.

Karnataka’s Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra said, “The issue of banning or regulating vaastu and astrology was discussed, but no decision was taken.”

The Bill would be tabled in the next session of the legislature, he told presspersons after the Cabinet meeting.

The Bill has been drafted on the lines of the Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifices and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013.

It has provisions to deal strongly with cruel practices, such as human sacrifice, witchcraft, exorcism, parading women in the naked and sexual exploitation by invoking supernatural powers.

The State Cabinet cleared the Bill after it was scrutinised by the committee of the Law Department.

The committee had suggested some cosmetic changes and there was “nothing in the draft that would come in the way of religious sentiments.’’