A number of significant provisions in the recently proposed measure are intended to stop the use of magical, wicked or inhumane healing...
Digital Desk: The Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024 was tabled by the Assam government on Wednesday in the state legislative assembly. On behalf of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika introduced the bill.
In order to safeguard the public's health from dangerous practices stemming from ignorance and illness, the proposed legislation seeks to advance societal awakening and create a healthy, scientifically grounded environment. Its goal is to eradicate non-scientific therapeutic methods that are employed maliciously to take advantage of innocent individuals.
According to Section 3 of the bill, the government is empowered to ban the use of magic or bad healing methods to treat specific diseases and health conditions. Moreover, Section 4 gives the government the authority to ban deceptive advertising for these kinds of activities.
A number of significant provisions in the recently proposed measure are intended to stop the use of magical, wicked, or inhumane healing methods. Section 5 gives the government the authority to punish anyone who engages in or encourages these kinds of activities. Section 6 broadens this to include a fine of Rs 50,000 or a year's imprisonment, with the possibility of extension to three years, or both.
Repeated offences may be sentenced to five years in jail, a fine of one lakh rupees, or both. In addition, the government may appoint police personnel as Vigilance officers under Section 9. The government is further given authority to create regulations to carry out the bill's provisions under Section 16 of the legislation.
