The proposed Black Magic Law in Kerala
Introduction
In October 2022, the Kerala government informed the High Court that it was contemplating enacting laws to restrict black magic, sorcery, and other superstitious practices. This announcement was made in light of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Kerala Yukthivadi Sangham, a rationalist organization. The PIL was prompted by a horrific human sacrifice incident in Pathanamthitta district, where two women were killed in a ritual believed to be aimed at acquiring wealth.
After this, the Kerala Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices, Sorcery and Black Magic Bill, 2019, which was formulated by the Kerala Law Reforms Commission (headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice K.T. Thomas), received renewed focus. However, the Bill has yet to be implemented.
Why in news
In June 2025, the Kerala High Court revisited the issue. Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, a Division Bench, directed the state government to submit an affidavit clarifying the following:-
• Whether the state still plans to pursue the anti-black magic Bill.
• The current status of legislative action.
• Any new developments since 2022.
The court’s decision came after a renewed petition following the dismissal of the original PIL in June 2023 due to the petitioner’s absence. With the matter back in court, the judges have set a deadline of June 24, 2025, for the government to provide a formal response.
Issues in the PIL
The PIL calls for the enactment and enforcement of the draft Bill from 2019. It also seeks a mechanism to prevent exploitative practices that harm vulnerable individuals under the guise of spiritual or religious rituals. The petition additionally urged monitoring and regulation of media content (films, OTT platforms, YouTube, TV serials) that promote superstition and black magic.
Is this Law needed in Kerala?
Though Kerala is known for its high literacy rate and is also a famous economically stable, the question arises whether this kinds of law is required in this state.
The clear answer to this question is – YES! This law, unfortunately, is required in Kerala. This is because though Kerala is considered to be the Indian state with the highest literacy rate, the crimes in Kerala related to these superstitions is also significant.
Some of the cases related to this issue are as follows-
• In December 2024, in Kasaragod, four individuals—including three women—were arrested for murdering an NRI businessman after convincing him black magic would double his wealth. They also looted 600 sovereigns of gold.
• In January 2025, a man in Palakkad, out on bail for a previous magic-related murder, killed a husband and mother-in-law, alleging they had cursed his wife through black magic.
• In May 2019, a mother and daughter in Neyyattinkara died by suicide. Police found a hidden “sorcery spot” in their home, where family members conducted rituals, including attempted human sacrifice of the daughter.
Similar laws in other states
Many other states in India such as Maharastra, Karnataka, etc have similar laws to prevent these superstitions.
The most recent ones are the followings –
• Maharastra
In 2013, Maharastra passed The Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act.
• Karnataka
Inspired by Maharashtra, Karnataka passed The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act in 2017.
Other states like Bihar, Jharkhand and Rajasthan also have the similar laws though it has separate focus.
Conclusion
The Kerala High Court’s renewed push highlights the urgent need for specific legislation to curb black magic and exploitative superstitious practices in the state. With several shocking incidents and a long-pending draft Bill, the onus is now on the government to act decisively and protect vulnerable communities through law and awareness.
