The Gujarat High Court on Friday called on the State government to promote and promptly enforce the newly enacted law targeting 'black magic' and other superstitious or inhumane practices within the State.

A Bench consisting of Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice Pranav Trivedi stated that it anticipates the State will implement the Gujarat Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2024, at the earliest.

"Section 11 of the said Act provides for making of the rules by the State government to carry out the purposes of the Act. It is expected the rules to carry out purposes of the Act in accordance with Section 11 would be promulgated with the shortest possible time", the Court said.

The Bench also directed the State to conduct media campaigns to publicize the new legislation, ensuring that people are informed about the protections provided under the Act.

"We also require that the State government shall give due publicity to the provisions of the Act and the rules made thereunder through all means of communication namely electronic and print media such as newspapers, social media handle of the State government, Doordarshan etc. over sufficient period of time so that people of the State are aware of the protection granted to them under the Act," the Court's order said.

The Court issued the order in response to a plea from the Akhil Bhartiya Andhashraddha Nirmool Samiti, a public trust dedicated to raising awareness and combating superstitious and inhumane practices. The petitioner highlighted the issue of illegal 'tantrik' activities in the State, alleging that fraudsters posing as Godmen, aghoris, ojhas, and bhuvas were involved in rituals that included the sacrifice of young children and women.

In an order dated July 7 of this year, the Court had requested a response from the State government concerning the absence of legislation to address 'black magic' practices and other inhumane activities, including aghori practices. Today, the Court observed that the State has since enacted a new law aimed at curbing these activities.

The Gujarat Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2024 was officially notified on September 2 in the Official Gazette, following the State's unanimous passage of the Bill on August 21.

The Act has been introduced with the aim to protect the public against "evil and sinister practices thriving on ignorance" and to "eradicate human sacrifice and other inhuman, evil, sinister and Aghori practices propagated in the name of so-called supernatural or magical powers or evil spirits commonly known as black magic by conmen."

Today, the Court expressed hope that the provisions of the Act will be implemented in both letter and spirit. Advocate Harsh K. Rawal represented the petitioner, the Akhil Bhartiya Andhashraddha Nirmool Samiti, while Government Pleader GH Virk represented the State of Gujarat.