On Wednesday, Karnataka government’s Social welfare department will table the final draft of much diluted and delayed Karnataka Evil, Inhuman and Superstitious Practices Prevention and Eradication Bill before the state cabinet, reported Bangalore Mirror.
Interestingly while the cabinet sub-committee has recommended a complete ban on all kinds of inhuman practices like sacrificing livestock, fire walking, exorcism, parading women in naked, sexual exploitation by invoking supernatural power etc., things like astrology, Vastu and animal sacrifice may be allowed without any interference as per the reports.
Many activists had earlier demanded the government for a strict punishment to those who cheat people in the name of astrology or Vaastu.
A member of the sub-committee told the Mirror: “The committee had prolonged discussions about banning astrology and Vaastu. But nowadays, several universities have been awarding degrees in astrology and hence it is regarded as a science.”
“Vaastu also is being backed as ancient science and modern-day architecture is imbibed with some of these elements. Hence, it was decided to allow these practices,” the Mirror report added.
The final draft was cleared on Monday by the scrutiny committee comprising Law and Parliamentary minister TB Jayachandra.
Karnataka’s Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs T.B. Jayachandra said: “The issue of either banning or regulating Vaastu and astrology was discussed, but no decision was taken”, reported The Hindu.
The state cabinet will take a final call on the bill on Wednesday.