Mumbai: Maharashtra Government has
decided to reintroduce a Bill in the Legislature aimed at
checking superstition and cheating of people at the hands of
self-styled godmen and tantriks.
"We are considering reintroduction of the Bill to curb
cases of superstition and subsequent cheating of the people,"
Home Minister R R Patil told the Legislative Council today.
The Anti-Superstition Bill was introduced in the
Legislature two years ago. It was opposed by Shiv Sena and
right-wing groups. The Bill could not be passed and it lapsed.
"Earlier, the Government could not convince the
Opposition members over the Bill. But this time we will take
all parties' views into consideration and then introduce it in
the House," Patil said.
Arun Gujrathi (NCP) narrated a case of a 'Baba' in
Nanded, who cheated people by promising to get secret wealth
('gupta dhan'), and sought to know if any action has been
taken against him.
Patil said no case has been registered in Nanded.
But eight such cases have registered across the state
and appropriate action has been taken, he said.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, April 13, 2010, 21:00