Karnataka falters over superstition bill

BENGALURU: The Congress government in Karnataka remains hesitant about the Karnataka Prevention of Superstitious Practices, a bill that would keep a check on superstitious practices that affect human dignity. Two drafts of the law; one by the National Law School of India, and the second by the state social welfare department was given to the government three years back, but neither has been tabled in the legislature in a fear of a backlash from religious groups. A third draft is currently under works on behest of the Law Minister T B Jayachandra. This one will keep controversial practices like Made Snana from the Dakshina Kannada region of Karnataka, at bay. Some proposals under the bill include banning the carrying of swamijis in palanquins, worshipping of the feet of religious leaders, and the Ajalu system.