Law relating to black magic and issue of human sacrifices in India a socio legal study

Abstract

In this socio-legal research work, the researcher has made an effort to analyze the major issue of the practice of black magic and human sacrifices or Bali in India. The researcher has carried on the empirical work in the State of Punjab with special reference to the districts named Mansa, Bathinda, Shri Muktsar Sahib and Tarn Taran, by conducting a survey with the help of questionnaires and interviews. The researcher, after a thorough study of the available literature and research work, and the analysis of the primary data collected, has tried to portray a clear picture of this social issue. The researcher has made an effort to trace the origin and history of the practice of witchcraft and black magic in India and all over the world. The effectiveness of anti-witchcraft and black magic legislations that are presently in force in India are also studied and analysed. newlineThe perspective of the practice of black magic and witchcraft as a traditional art is studied and explained. It is seen that regardless of the status on education, standard of living, urban and rural dwelling, the belief in superstition and practice of black magic, human sacrifices and witchcraft is equally popular. The researcher, through various case laws and reported incidents, has highlighted the urgency of the problem and the role of judiciary in this context. Not much research has been carried out concerning this social crime. Lack of consolidated data and first-hand information about such incidents and its effects on the people and society at large weakens the efforts and initiatives taken in this direction. newline newline