A Crime Against Women: The Witchcraft and Witch-Hunting Dilemma (GS Paper 2, Society)
Introduction
- The issue of witchcraft and witch-hunting remains a deeply troubling and pervasive problem globally and particularly in India.
- This complex and distressing phenomenon not only highlights significant gaps in societal awareness but also points to the broader systemic failures in addressing gender-based violence and discrimination.
- The discussion below aims to unpack the prevalence of witchcraft accusations, the associated gender dynamics, and the effectiveness of legislative measures in combating these practices.
The Prevalence and Perception of Witchcraft
- In popular culture, witches are often depicted through fictional lenses, such as in movies like "Harry Potter" or "The Wizard of Oz," and historical events like the Salem witch trials.
- These portrayals contribute to a superficial understanding of witchcraft, overshadowing the serious and real-world implications of witch-hunting.
- For instance, despite the fictional representation, the grim reality faced by individuals accused of witchcraft in many parts of the world remains underreported and poorly understood.
- In India, notable anti-witch-hunting activists like Birubala Rabha, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021 and passed away in 2024, have made significant strides in addressing this issue.
- However, her efforts and the struggles of those fighting against witch-hunting are often overshadowed by a lack of widespread awareness and recognition.
Global and Indian Context of Witch-Hunting
- Witchcraft accusations are not confined to any single region but are a global issue.
- In July 2021, the UN Human Rights Council adopted a resolution aimed at eliminating harmful practices related to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks.
- Data from 60 countries between 2009 and 2019 recorded around 20,000 cases, although many instances remain unreported.
- In India, the problem persists with documented cases of witchcraft-related murders.
- The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported 85 murders in 2022 associated with witchcraft, primarily in states such as Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
- Despite a decrease in such cases, these figures still reflect an alarming trend, indicating roughly 100 murders annually related to witchcraft accusations.
Gender and Witchcraft Accusations
- Witchcraft accusations often disproportionately target women, particularly those who are widowed, single, or marginalized.
- Although the term "witch" is technically gender-neutral, societal perceptions and stereotypes overwhelmingly associate witchcraft with women.
- Accusations frequently arise from various grievances, including property disputes, societal ignorance, and mental health issues.
- Local diseases and personal vendettas also contribute to the stigmatization of individuals as witches.
Addressing Witch-Hunting Practices
- Efforts to combat witch-hunting include media portrayals and awareness campaigns.
- Films like “Kala Sach” highlight the severe consequences of witch-hunting and aim to educate the public about its realities.
- Initiatives such as Jharkhand’s “Project Garima” and Assam’s “Project Prahari” focus on restoring dignity and enhancing community policing.
- However, the effectiveness of such measures remains debatable, particularly in a developing country like India, where addressing such deeply ingrained issues can be challenging.
Legislative Measures
India has implemented several legislative measures to tackle witch-hunting, including:
- Bihar’s Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act (1993)
- Jharkhand’s Prevention of Witch (Daain) Practices Act (2001)
- Similar laws in other states
Effectiveness
- These laws aim to criminalize witch-hunting practices and provide protection for victims.
- However, challenges persist, such as low prosecution and conviction rates, and some laws, like those in Odisha, blur the lines between protecting individuals and criminalizing practices.
- A more nuanced approach is needed, distinguishing clearly between witchcraft practices and witch-hunting to avoid legal ambiguities.
- The NCRB’s reporting should also improve to categorize witchcraft-related incidents more accurately, and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) should incorporate specific sections addressing these crimes comprehensively.
Conclusion
- The issue of witchcraft and witch-hunting underscores a significant social justice challenge.
- Despite legal frameworks and awareness campaigns, the persistence of such practices reflects broader societal and systemic issues.
- India, alongside Nepal, stands out in UN documentation for harmful practices related to witchcraft, highlighting the urgent need for more effective reporting, legislative clarity, and robust enforcement.
- The problem requires a multifaceted approach, including improved education, better reporting mechanisms, clearer legal distinctions, and effective implementation of protective laws.
- By addressing these issues, India can work towards reducing the trust deficit between the government and its citizens and create a safer and more just society for all, particularly for the vulnerable and marginalized women affected by these archaic practices.
