Assam bill, up to 5 years' jail for evil practices

The Assam government has introduced a new legislation, the 'Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024,' in the state assembly to combat non-scientific healing practices with malicious intentions aimed at exploiting innocent individuals and undermining public health.

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Presented by Assam Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also heads the Home and Political Department, the bill seeks to criminalize magical healing practices conducted with sinister motives. The proposed legislation categorizes such practices as cognizable and non-bailable offenses, punishable by imprisonment of up to five years and fines of up to Rs 1 lakh.

The primary objective of the bill is to foster social awareness and promote a science-based approach to healthcare. It aims to safeguard public health against harmful practices that thrive on ignorance and ill-health.

The bill prohibits individuals from engaging in any form of healing or magical practices that falsely claim to cure diseases or health conditions.