The Maharashtra Government is likely to pass a Bill in the winter session of the state legislature, which aims to curb superstitious and black magic practices in society. An Ordinance is already in place, which would be converted into the Bill.

The session will commence at Nagpur on December 9 and the Bill is likely to be introduced after December 13.

Due to strong reservations from right-wing parties such as Shiv Sena and BJP, the contents of the draft Bill has been altered many times. The trigger for tabling the Bill in winter session has been the daylight murder of well-know rationalist Narendra Dabholkar.

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan, addressing a conference on the Ordinance said that the State Government is committed that the Bill would be passed in Nagpur session. Vigilance officers would be appointed for smooth implementation of the Bill, he said.

rahul.wadke@thehindu.co.in

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