Guwahati: Prominent activist and Padma Shri awardee, Chutni Mahto, and Ajay Jaiswal, the secretary of the NGO Asha, submitted a memorandum to Jharkhand Governor CP Radhakrishnan on Monday.
Both the activists pressed for an Assam-like law against witch hunting. Witchcraft and witch-hunting in Jharkhand are among the most prevalent social issues that, according to both the activists, need urgent attention.
In the memorandum, Mahto proposed the adoption of a Witchcraft Prohibition Act similar to the one enforced in Assam, citing the inefficacy of the current Witchcraft Prohibition Act of 2001 in Jharkhand.
According to Mahto, the existing law lacks adequate provisions for punishment, leading to its ineffectiveness in addressing the issue.
Highlighting the disparities between the laws of Jharkhand and Assam, Mahto emphasized the need for stricter penalties. In Jharkhand, perpetrators face imprisonment for up to three months or a fine of Rs 1,000, whereas in Assam, the punishment ranges from 5 to 7 years of imprisonment with fines ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 5 lakh.
Jaiswal echoed Mahto’s sentiments, pointing out that the maximum punishment under the current law in Jharkhand is only one year, compared to 10 years and a fine of Rs 10 lakh in Assam for similar offenses.
The activists, with over 25 years of experience combating witch-hunting, have consulted with over 500 female victims and analyzed laws from various states. They concluded that Assam has the most effective legislation to address the menace of witchcraft.
In addition to their memorandum to the governor, the activists plan to engage with different stakeholders and policymakers within the government to advocate for amended laws to curb witchcraft in Jharkhand.
The efforts of Mahto, Jaiswal, and their NGO signify a crucial step towards protecting the vulnerable communities affected by witch-hunting and ensuring justice for victims in Jharkhand.
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