Headline
The Supreme Court of India upholds dignity and justice and shows shock over witchcraft allegations.
Summary
The Supreme Court of India condemns failure of society and state in addressing cases of abuse related to witchcraft, stressing on dignity as a basic constitutional value. The Court reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding human rights and ordered fast trial proceedings.
Key Facts
- Case Name: Rajeev Kumar Upadhyay vs. Srikant Upadhyay & Others
- Judges Name: Justice CT Ravikumar and Justice Sanjay Karol.
- Incident: In March 2020, 2 women were disrobed and assaulted in Champaran district of Bihar over witchcraft allegations.
- FIR filed under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 341, 323, 354, 354B, 379, 504, 506, 149, and Sections 3 & 4 of the Witch (Daain) Act.
- High Court: Proceedings stayed but later withdrawn; FIR registration needed court interference.
Legal Insights
The Supreme Court of India stressed on dignity as central to human rights, quoting constitutional and international obligations. It Showcased the requirement for constructive state action against systemic exploitation, referencing NCRB data showing continued cases of witchcraft.
Impact
The judgment highlights the role of the judiciary in safeguarding vulnerable groups, addressing deeply rooted superstitions, and making sure that there should be swift justice.
Why It Matters
This case shows the continuance of witchcraft allegations related to patriarchy and social norms, marking a serious step toward protecting human dignity and constitutional values.
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