Harassment, torture, murder or other forms of violence which tend to get associated with the practice of witch-hunting are already punishable under the Indian Penal Code (IPC). ‘Police’ and ‘Public Order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibilities to maintain law and order, protection of life and property of citizens, investigation and prosecution of crime against women, including for witch hunting and related forms of violence, rest with the respective State Governments. The State Governments are competent to deal with such offences under the extant provisions of laws.
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has got a study conducted on ‘Violence against Dalit Women in Different States of India’ which also included the menace of witch-hunting. The Government takes into account the recommendations of NCW for strengthening the policies and programmes from time to time.
The Government is making concerted efforts for protection of women and girls and advancing their rights by addressing the issue of safety and security through various schematic and legislative interventions. The Government and its associated organisations such as NCW also undertake awareness campaigns and organize seminars, workshops etc. from time to time for raising awareness among masses on the issues relating to safety, security and empowerment of women and girls.
The Government of Odisha has notified “The Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013” with effect from 25.02.2014 and has undertaken IEC activities for creating social and legal awareness against witch-hunting with the help of anganwadi workers, self help groups, panchayati raj institutions etc.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
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