Desk Report, February 21, 2024: In a pivotal legislative move, the Assam Government brought forward the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, during the state legislative assembly session this Wednesday. State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika, acting on behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, introduced the bill with the aim of ushering in social awareness and establishing a secure, science-centric environment to safeguard public health.
The proposed legislation targets the eradication of non-scientific healing practices, specifically those carried out with malicious intent to exploit innocent individuals. Section 3 of the bill grants the government authority to proactively ban evil or magical healing practices concerning certain diseases and health disorders. Moreover, Section 4 empowers the government to clamp down on misleading advertisements associated with such practices.
The comprehensive bill takes a robust stance against inhuman, evil, or magical healing practices. Section 5 provides the government with the power to impose penalties for any act or promotion of such practices. Section 6 outlines strict consequences, including imprisonment for one year (extendable up to three years), a fine of Rs 50,000, or both. Repeat offenders may face up to five years in jail or a fine of Rs 1 lakh, or both.
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To enforce these measures effectively, Section 9 authorizes the government to appoint police officers as Vigilance officers. Additionally, Section 16 empowers the government to frame rules for the seamless implementation of the bill’s provisions.
This landmark legislation signifies a significant step towards ensuring public health and eliminating harmful practices rooted in superstition. The Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a secure and science-based healthcare environment for the well-being of its citizens.
