High Court Calls For State's Response On Plea Seeking Action Against Those Alluring Innocents On Pretext Of Black Magic In Punjab

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has sought a response from the State on a plea filed seeking directions to take action against persons who are alluring people on the pretext of black magic in Punjab.

Justice Vinod S. Bhardwaj while issuing notice to the State listed the matter for July 15.

The plea is filed by residents of Punjab alleging that in several districts including Bathinda and Mohali, black magic is practised by certain individuals.

They openly declare that they can solve problems with the help of their Tantrik power by causing harm to others and alluring innocent, illiterate people to extort money from them, it submits.

It is alleged that several persons are advertising on social media as well as electronic media, claiming that they can solve any problem with black magic and allure innocent people to achieve their illegal goals. This is against the Constitution of India, as Article 25 provides freedom of religion subject to public order, morality, and health, the petition states.

The petitioners seek directions to state authorities to take steps to control individuals who are alluring innocent people under the pretext of black magic and "exploiting illiterate rural villagers by manipulating their religious sentiments to achieve illegal goals and earn money through fake religious ceremonies."

S.L. Chander Shekhar, advocate for the petitioner.

Title: Baldev Singh v. State of Punjab & Ors.