'Shameful, Disturbing': Jharkhand High Court Takes Suo Moto Cognizance Of Murder Of A Family As Part Of 'Witch-Hunt'

At the outset, a Division Bench comprising of Chief Justice Dr. Ravi Ranjan and Justice Sujit Narayan Prasad expressed displeasure at the fact that the evil of witchcraft still persists in the modern civilized society. "This is not only shameful but also raises a serious question upon the entire system as to how in the present modern civilized society such type of incidence has taken place," the Bench remarked.

It has now asked the State Authorities to file an affidavit, clearly indicating the action they propose to take so that such type of incident may be avoided in the future.

The order stated,

"It is a right time when the State Authorities must rise from deep sleep and think over it and take some serious action. It should not only take remedial measures but also take serious steps for generating awareness in the people regarding evils of such type of practice.

We would also direct the State Authorities especially the Principal Secretary, Department of Home, Government of Jharkhand and the Principal Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Government of Jharkhand as well as the Director General of Police, Jharkhand, Ranchi to come up with their respective affidavit regarding the occurrence and the action they have already taken or they propose to take so that such type of incident could be avoided."

The Court has taken cognizance of the matter based on a report published by the Times of India, disclosing that a family of five was hacked to death after the Village Council of Buruhatu-Amtoli Pahar declared them to be 'witches' and sentenced them to death.

In its order, the Bench noted that the Jharkhand Legal Services Authority has already been working to eradicate the evils of witchcraft practice and other things through various schemes etc.

However, in light of the alleged incident, the Bench remarked, "it appears that we are still lagging behind."

It has thus asked Member Secretary, JHALSA to make an enquiry in this matter through the District Legal Services Authority and submit a report. The Bench clarified,

"The team of Legal Services Authority should be provided with adequate security during they would be making an enquiry into the matter as the matter is very sensitive. We would direct the Deputy Commissioner, Gumla as well as the Superintendent of Police, Gumla to take steps in that regard especially the protection which is to be provided to the team of the Legal Services Authority in course of enquiry. The entire expenditure to be incurred in the enquiry would be met by the State Authority."

The matter is now fixed for hearing on March 18.

Read similar reports:

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Case Title: Court On Its Own Motion v. State Of Jharkhand & Ors.

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