Govt looking at banning superstitious practices: Minister

Social Welfare Minister H Anjaneya on Wednesday said the State government intended to enact a law banning inhuman superstitious practices, after taking into confidence those opposing the move.

Replying to a question by Raju Alaguru (Congress) in the Legislative Assembly, he said the government recently received a concept paper from National Law School of India University and Karnataka Law University on banning superstitious practices. But the concept paper triggered controversy and confusion, he said.

“We will enact the legislation, but it will take some time. The government will hold talks with those opposing it and then bring in a law in the interests of society, he said. However, in his written reply to the House, the minister has stated that the government has no intention to enact such legislation.

The government a few months ago attracted widespread criticism over its move to ban superstitious practices, especially from religious mutts and institutions. Many Congress leaders like Janardhana Poojary had also openly opposed the move and the government had dropped the plan.