Dr. Charu Walikhanna, Member, was Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at symposium on ‘Witch Hunting In India – A Scandalizing Reality’ organized by Human Rights Defense (India) at Indian Law Institute, New Delhi on 30.05.2013. 

Dr. Charu WaliKhanna, Member said that the title of the symposium was most apt because on the one hand, we are talking about the world being a ‘global village’ in the ‘cyber age’, while on the other hand, such medieval crimes are a ‘scandalizing reality’. She said the problem of labelling women for practicing black magic is not restricted to any class, caste or religion but is a by-product of illiteracy and lack of medical healthcare. Local quacks/ faith healers thrive in areas where there is a lack of adequate public healthcare facilities; and the simple villagers being dependent have blind faith in them. When there is a conflict of interest between two groups in order to assert superiority, then the innocent villagers are incited and provoked to attack the target; usually single women / widows with productive resources / land are most vulnerable. Trend also reflects that any woman who is assertive, strong minded, educated or fights for her rights is accused of practicing ‘tonha (black magic)’. 

She suggested the solution lies in improving infrastructure, basic health care facilities, pucca road etc, organizing awareness programmes for Sarpanch and PRIs, alongwith Aanganwadi workers, ASHA workers, ICDS workers. She added that research shows the problem is prevalent in 17 states of the country, hence the Commission is in the process of contemplating a central legislation to deal with such problem. 

On behalf of NHRC Mr. Anil Parasar, Registrar, speaking on the occasion said that NHRC stands for life, liberty, equality and dignity and such incidents are violative of all four pillars of human rights. He also submitted action details. 

Dr. Rita Nath literary critic and writer introducing the subject said that 100 years ago Gurudev Ravindra Nath Tagore touched upon the topic in the story ‘Living or Dead’. 

Documentary by Ms. Sutapa Deb, Editor, NDTV Social was shown in which interviews of survivors were recorded. Ms. Madhu Mehra, Director, Partners for Law in Development, addressing the participants said that more evidence based data is required before drafting a central legislation. Ms. Shashi Sail from Chhattisgarh a saviour of victims, narrated her hands on field experience. Dr. Alok Sharma, faculty of law, Delhi University, spoke on the draft bill proposed by her. Brainstorming was done by Dr. Padma, Public Prosecutor, CBI.

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