Background : Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act 2015
The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act 2015 was enacted to curb the persistent practice of witch hunting in Assam, which had led to violence, social ostracism, and gross human rights violations, especially against women and vulnerable communities. The law was framed in line with the principles of human dignity and basic human rights.
Objective
The Act aims to:
- Eliminate superstition-based violence from society
- Prevent identification, branding, and persecution of individuals as witches
- Protect victims and ensure strict punishment for offenders
Key Provisions
Prohibition of Witch Branding
- Prohibits calling, identifying, defaming, or accusing any person as a witch
- Covers actions done through words, signs, conduct, or symbolic indications
Nature of Offences
- Offences under the Act are:
- Cognizable
- Non-bailable
- Non-compoundable
This ensures immediate police action and strict legal treatment.
Punishments
- Witch hunting leading to death:
- Imprisonment up to 7 years
- Fine up to ₹5 lakh
- Blaming a person for natural calamities or misfortunes such as floods, droughts, illness, or death:
- Imprisonment up to 3 years
- Enhanced penalties for repeated or aggravated offences
Special Courts
- Provision for setting up Special Courts
- Courts are established in consultation with the High Court
- Ensures speedy trial of witch hunting cases
Enforcement and Protection
- Enables confiscation of evidence used in witch hunting
- Provides legal protection to victims and witnesses
- Empowers authorities to take preventive action against suspected offences
Significance
- Addresses deep-rooted superstition through criminal law
- Protects women and marginalized groups from violence and social exclusion
- Acts as a deterrent against mob justice and vigilantism
- Strengthens the state’s commitment to human rights and rule of law
Broader Impact
The Assam law became a model for other states, highlighting the need for:
- Legal intervention against superstition-driven crimes
- Social awareness and community-level sensitisation
- Integration of law enforcement with education and social reform
The Assam Witch Hunting Act, 2015 represents a decisive legal response against superstition-led violence, combining strict punishment, victim protection, and institutional accountability to safeguard human dignity and social justice.
