The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Assam): The Assam government has introduced a new bill in the assembly to outlaw non-scientific healing practices, commonly referred to as ‘magical healing.’ The ‘Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024,’ presented by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pijush Hazarika on behalf of the home and political departments, aims to criminalize these practices, categorizing them as cognisable and non-bailable offences.
The bill stipulates that any individual involved in ‘magical healing’ with malicious intent could face a punishment of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh. This legislation is a move towards promoting social awareness and establishing a science-based, safe environment to safeguard human health against harmful and ignorant practices.
Under the bill, no person is allowed to engage in any form of healing practice or propagation of magical healing for the treatment of diseases, disorders, or any health-related conditions, whether directly or indirectly. The bill also prohibits any form of advertisement related to such medicines or remedies, especially those making false claims of curing diseases through healing practices.
For first-time offenders, the proposed punishment includes imprisonment of one year, extendable up to three years, a fine of Rs 50,000, or both. In cases of subsequent convictions, the punishment increases to imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of Rs 1 lakh, or both. Additionally, vigilance officers, who will be police officers not below the rank of a sub-inspector, will be tasked with monitoring and curbing such practices.
This legislative initiative reflects the Assam government’s commitment to eliminating deceptive and harmful practices disguised as healing, prioritizing public health and scientific approaches to treatment. The bill is a significant step towards protecting citizens from exploitation and ensuring that healthcare practices are grounded in scientific evidence and ethical standards.