{"id":206079,"date":"2018-12-03T10:23:25","date_gmt":"2018-12-03T04:53:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/?p=206079"},"modified":"2018-12-03T10:23:25","modified_gmt":"2018-12-03T04:53:25","slug":"the-rajasthan-prevention-of-witch-hunting-act-2015-and-the-problem-of-overcriminalisation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2018\/12\/03\/the-rajasthan-prevention-of-witch-hunting-act-2015-and-the-problem-of-overcriminalisation\/","title":{"rendered":"The Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2015 and the Problem of Overcriminalisation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction and thesis<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-hunting Act, 2015 (hereinafter \u201cthe Act\u201d) came into force in April 2015. The special enact\"\"ment, as the name suggests, is ostensibly targeted at combating the problem of witch-hunting that prevails in the State. The Preamble to the Act states that the objective of the Act is to \u201cprovide effective measures\u201d to \u201ctackle the menace of witch-hunting\u201d and to \u201cprevent the practice of witchcraft\u201d.[1]<\/a> While the Act has been in force for more than three years now, no conviction under the Act has resulted as of yet.[2]<\/a> As there is no ruling of the High Court interpreting any of the provisions of the Act,[3]<\/a> the Act itself along with the Rules made thereunder, \u201cthe Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-hunting Rules, 2016\u201d (hereinafter \u201c2016 Rules\u201d) holds fray. The thesis of this essay is that the Act suffers from a problem of overcriminalisation, as is evidenced primarily by Section 2(b<\/em>)[4]<\/a> and Section 8[5]<\/a> of the Act.<\/p>\n

Overcriminalisation and the definition of witchcraft under the Act<\/strong><\/p>\n

While a society founded on principles of liberty ought to respect the autonomy of its citizens, the State has the power to criminalise certain modes of conduct.[6]<\/a> The State\u2019s power to criminalise must be strictly construed, and any overreach of these powers to criminalise conduct not justly falling within the ambit of criminal law must be promptly struck down.<\/p>\n

Section 3 of the Act prohibits the commission of witch-hunting and exercise and practice of witchcraft. \u201cWitchcraft\u201d finds a rather peculiar definition under the Act. Generally, it is a central principle of criminalisation that there must be an actus reus (guilty act) and mens rea (guilty state of mind). When either of the two elements is lacking, criminalisation does not generally follow. Under the definition section, the actus reus is the \u201cuse of supernatural or magical power\u201d to \u201ccall up spirit or cast spell or discover the whereabouts of stolen goods\u201d.[7]<\/a> The mens rea that the definition provides for is \u201cevil intention\u201d. The actus reus constituting the offence \u2014 use of supernatural power \u2014 is an impossible act. Even the mens rea requirement of \u201cevil intention\u201d eludes definition. Matters are further complicated by the punishment section for the offence, which adds the additional mens rea requirement of the intention to \u201ccause harm or injury\u201d to any person. The exercise seems largely redundant, as the two mens rea requirements have a significant overlap.[8]<\/a><\/p>\n

A frustrated actus reus and a vague mens rea thus makes the criminalisation of the exercise and practice of witchcraft absurd and vulnerable to being deployed against minorities. Indeed, the special laws targeted at witchcraft and witch-hunting overwhelmingly target practices of the Dalits and the Adivasis, victimising them further.[9]<\/a> It must also be remembered at the outset that witch-hunting is a gendered offence, with women being the prime victims of the act.[10]<\/a> It may thus not be far-fetched to infer that the provision criminalising practice of witchcraft may be put in service of the same motive unfounded allegations of witchcraft are levelled against women for: to rob them of their property or to settle grudges with them,[11]<\/a> among other \u201creasons\u201d, albeit this time using State machinery. Moreover, the scheme of the Act appears to be confused: though it is targeted at tackling the problem of witch-hunting the victims of which are usually women and minorities, it also criminalises practice of \u201cwitchcraft\u201d, an allegation that usually targets women and minorities. It is submitted that such a result is improper and undesirable for a criminal statute.<\/p>\n

Overcriminalisation and the imposition of collective fines<\/strong><\/p>\n

Under Section 15 of the Act, the State Government is empowered to make rules for the implementation of the provisions of the Act. The 2016 Rules have been made in exercise of this power.[12]<\/a> The 2016 Rules, which came into effect on 26-1-2016 prescribe the manner of inquiry to be undertaken for the imposition of collective fine in an area under Section 8 of the Act. The power of State Government to impose collective fine is to thus be found in Section 8 of the Act read with Rule 3 of the 2016 Rules. This becomes amply clear from the fact that the language of Section 8 itself provides for an \u201cinquiry in the prescribed manner\u201d[13]<\/a> and Rule 3 lays down the manner of \u201cinquiry under sub-section (1) of Section 8\u201d[14]<\/a><\/p>\n

Fine is a form of \u201cpunishment\u201d under the Penal Code, 1860.[15]<\/a> Only a sentence authorised by law can be passed by a court of competent jurisdiction.[16]<\/a> Under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter \u201cthe Code\u201d) the criminal law process is divided into the stages of investigation<\/em>, inquiry<\/em> and trial<\/em>. Inquiry follows an investigation and precedes trial, and no penalties generally can be imposed after an inquiry. However, under Section 8(1) read with Rule 3(1), a Sub-Divisional Magistrate may impose a collective fine after conducting only an inquiry. This is against the basic tenet of criminal law that no sanction can be imposed without there being a formal determination of guilt in place.<\/p>\n

Rule 3(4) stipulates that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, while conducting the inquiry, shall adhere to the procedure for summary trials laid down in the Code.[17]<\/a> However, it must be noted that the procedure for summary trials only gives the Magistrate concerned the power to \u201ctry\u201d summarily and not to \u201cinquire\u201d summarily.[18]<\/a> The language of the section is also vague and uncertain, thus going against the tenets of \u201cfair warning\u201d[19]<\/a> and \u201cmaximum certainty\u201d[20]<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It seeks to impose fine on even those who may be \u201cconcerned in\u201d the commission of any offence punishable under the Act or who may fail to \u201crender all the assistance in their power\u201d to nab the accused.[21]<\/a> What qualifies as being \u201cconcerned in\u201d the commission of offence is unclear. As far as the duty of persons to aid an ongoing investigation is concerned, an inference may be drawn from Section 39 of the Code. The section fastens a duty on persons to give information about certain offences to a Magistrate or police officer. As compared to offences mentioned in the section,[22]<\/a> witch-hunting[23]<\/a> and practice of witchcraft[24]<\/a> carry comparatively lesser sentences. By enjoining a duty on persons to compulsorily aid the investigation, Section 8 violates the principle of respecting the autonomy of individuals as rational beings capable of making reasoned choices.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thus, it is submitted that the criminalisation of the practice of witchcraft under Section 2(b<\/em>) is erroneous since the actus reus for the offence is frustrated and the mens rea constituting the offence is vague. Such criminalisation is also counterintuitive as it makes the law itself an instrument of further victimisation of women and other minorities affected by the practice. The imposition of collective fines on the inhabitants of a defined area is also problematic since the sanction does not flow from a formal adjudication of guilt, and since forcing the inhabitants of such areas to compulsorily aid the investigation process is to disrespect their basic autonomy as human beings. Thus, for reasons given hereinabove, I submit that Sections 2(b<\/em>) and 8 of the Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-hunting Act, 2015, present a problem of overcriminalisation, which is symptomatic of the entire legislation.<\/p>\n

——————————-<\/p>\n

\u2020 IVth year student, National Law School of India University, Bangalore, e-mail: palashsrivastav28@gmail.com<\/a>\/palashsrivastav@nls.ac.in<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[1]<\/a>\u00a0 Preamble, The Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-hunting Act, 2015.<\/p>\n

[2]<\/a> M.P. Singh, 50 cases of witch-hunting in Rajasthan in over a year, not one conviction, Indian Express<\/em> (31-8-2017), available at <http:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/india\/50-cases-of-witch-hunting-in-rajasthan-in-over-a-year-not-one-conviction-4821381<\/a>> (last visited on 10-6-2018). No recent data is available with major reporters or the website of the High Court of Rajasthan.<\/p>\n

[3]<\/a> There is only a bail application where the accused is enlarged on bail by the Rajasthan High Court under S. 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 \u2014 Mohan Singh<\/em> v. State of Rajasthan<\/em>, 2016 SCC OnLine Raj 7892<\/a>.<\/p>\n

[4]<\/a> Definition of \u201cwitchcraft\u201d.<\/p>\n

[5]<\/a> Power of State Government to impose collective fine.<\/p>\n

[6]<\/a> A.P. Simester and G.R. Sullivan, C<\/em>riminal L<\/em>aw: T<\/em>heory and D<\/em>octrine<\/em>, 14 (4th Edn., 2010).<\/p>\n

[7]<\/a> S. 2(b<\/em>), Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-hunting Act, 2015.<\/p>\n

[8]<\/a> For instance, is the \u201cuse of supernatural power\u201d to cause an epidemic (a charge often levelled against women accused of witchcraft) a case of evil intention or of intentional harm or injury?<\/p>\n

[9]<\/a> M. Mehra and A. Agrawal, \u201cWitch-hunting\u201d in India? Do We Need Special Laws, 51(13) E<\/em>conomic & P<\/em>olitical W<\/em>eekly<\/em> 51, 52 (2016).<\/p>\n

[10]<\/a> National Crime Records Bureau, Motives of Murder \u2014 2016 (table) available at <http:\/\/ncrb.gov.in\/StatPublications\/CII\/CII2016\/pdfs\/NEWPDFs\/Crime%20in%20India%20-%202016%20Complete%20PDF%20291117.pdf<\/a>> (last visited on 10-6-2016).<\/p>\n

[11]<\/a>\u00a0 M. Mehra and A. Agrawal, \u201cWitch-hunting\u201d in India? Do We Need Special Laws, 51(13) E<\/em>conomic & P<\/em>olitical W<\/em>eekly<\/em> 51, 52 (2016).<\/p>\n

[12]<\/a>\u00a0 Preamble, Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-hunting Rules, 2016.<\/p>\n

[13]<\/a>\u00a0 S. 8(1), Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-hunting Act, 2015.<\/p>\n

[14]<\/a>\u00a0 R. 3(1), Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-hunting Rules, 2016.<\/p>\n

[15]<\/a>\u00a0 S. 53, Penal Code, 1860.<\/p>\n

[16]<\/a>\u00a0 Ss. 28 and 29, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.<\/p>\n

[17]<\/a>\u00a0 Chapter XXI, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.<\/p>\n

[18]<\/a>\u00a0 Ss. 260 and 261, Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.<\/p>\n

[19]<\/a>\u00a0 A reasonably precise definition of an offence so any reasonable person can form an idea as to what conduct is prohibited.<\/p>\n

[20]<\/a>\u00a0 The definition of any offence must be certain so that the scope of arbitrary discretion is limited and the individual has enough knowledge to regulate her\/his conduct.<\/p>\n

[21]<\/a>\u00a0 S. 8, Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-hunting Act, 2015.<\/p>\n

[22]<\/a>\u00a0 Such as offences against the State, offences affecting life et al.<\/p>\n

[23]<\/a>\u00a0 S. 4, Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-hunting Act, 2015.<\/p>\n

[24]<\/a>\u00a0 S. 5, Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-hunting Act, 2015.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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is the worst form of human rights violation","author":"Saba","date":"November 17, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Gauhati High Court: In a case before the Court, the appellant had appealed against the judgment of the Sessions Court which sentenced them under Sections 302\/201\/34 of the Penal Code (IPC) to imprisonment for life. The duly proved facts of the case were that the accused persons had murdered the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Case Briefs"","block_context":{"text":"Case Briefs","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/category\/casebriefs\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":60471,"url":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2016\/08\/08\/state-government-directed-to-follow-certain-measures-in-order-to-eradicate-the-evil-practice-of-witch-hunting\/","url_meta":{"origin":206079,"position":1},"title":"State Government directed to follow certain measures in order to eradicate the evil practice of witch hunting","author":"Sucheta","date":"August 8, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Calcutta High Court: While condemning the practice of witch hunting, the Court issued certain directives for the State Government in order to eradicate the evil practice of witch hunting. In the present case, the petitioners were driven out of their villages on suspicion of practicing witchcraft. The Counsel appearing for\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Case Briefs"","block_context":{"text":"Case Briefs","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/category\/casebriefs\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/calcutta-court.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/calcutta-court.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/calcutta-court.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/calcutta-court.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/calcutta-court.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6282,"url":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2015\/01\/16\/rajasthan-hc-s-order-suspending-salman-khan-s-conviction-in-1998-blackbuck-hunting-case-set-aside\/","url_meta":{"origin":206079,"position":2},"title":"Rajasthan HC\u2019s Order suspending Salman Khan\u2019s conviction in 1998 Blackbuck hunting case set aside","author":"Sucheta","date":"January 16, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Supreme Court: In a major jolt to popular film star Salman Khan who had been convicted for hunting endangered animals, the Division Bench of S.J. Mukhopadhyaya and A.K. Goel, JJ., set aside the Order passed by the Rajasthan High Court whereby the actor\u2019s conviction was stayed as it was hindering\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Supreme Court"","block_context":{"text":"Supreme Court","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/category\/casebriefs\/supremecourt\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/scc-blog_Page_9.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/scc-blog_Page_9.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/scc-blog_Page_9.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/scc-blog_Page_9.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/scc-blog_Page_9.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":296985,"url":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2023\/07\/17\/know-thy-judge-justice-ujjal-bhuyan-judge-of-supreme-court-of-india-career-notable-judgments\/","url_meta":{"origin":206079,"position":3},"title":"Know Thy Newly Appointed Supreme Court Judge: Justice Ujjal Bhuyan","author":"Ritu","date":"July 17, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"On 05-07-2023, the Supreme Court Collegium had recommended the appointment of Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Chief Justice, High Court for the State of Telangana to the Supreme Court of India. Upon acceptance of the recommendation by the Law Ministry, Justice Bhuyan took oath as Supreme Court Judge on 14-07-2023.","rel":"","context":"In "Know thy Judge"","block_context":{"text":"Know thy Judge","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/category\/judges-information\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"justice-ujjal-bhuyan","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/justice-ujjal-bhuyan.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/justice-ujjal-bhuyan.webp?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/justice-ujjal-bhuyan.webp?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/justice-ujjal-bhuyan.webp?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":264448,"url":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2022\/03\/25\/transfer-petition-for-trial-of-salman-khans-deer-hunting-case-allowed\/","url_meta":{"origin":206079,"position":4},"title":"Raj HC | Transfer petition for trial of Salman Khan’s deer hunting case allowed; High Court to take charge","author":"Editor","date":"March 25, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Rajasthan High Court: Pushpendra Singh Bhati, J., allowed a transfer petition in the infamous deer hunting case of actor Salman Khan. An FIR was lodged with the Forest Department against Salman Khan alongwith Saif Ali Khan, Neelam, Tabbsum @ Tabu, Sonali and Dushyant Singh, who, in pursuance of a complaint,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Case Briefs"","block_context":{"text":"Case Briefs","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/category\/casebriefs\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":58381,"url":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2016\/07\/27\/salman-khan-acquitted-of-all-charges-under-wildlife-protection-act-in-poaching-cases\/","url_meta":{"origin":206079,"position":5},"title":"Salman Khan acquitted of all charges in poaching cases","author":"Sucheta","date":"July 27, 2016","format":false,"excerpt":"Rajasthan High Court: The bench of Nirmaljit Kaur J., hearing the revision petition filed by the Bollywood actor, held that in absence of any substantial incriminating evidence that could prove the guilt of the petitioner beyond doubt, the conviction and sentence awarded to him under Section 51 of the Wild\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Case Briefs"","block_context":{"text":"Case Briefs","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/category\/casebriefs\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/91"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=206079"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/206079\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/206088"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=206079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=206079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=206079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}