The ASSAM WITCH HUNTING (PROHIBITION, PREVENTION AND PROTECTION) ACT, 2015 (SINGLE DOCUMENT)
assam · 2018
The scanned source for this Act is imperfect — headings or section boundaries may be off. Verify against the official source.
- S. 1(1) This Act may be called the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015
- S. 2Section defines key terms used in the Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015, including "abettor or identifier," "victim," and "witch hunting."
- S. 3Section 3 prohibits identifying or accusing anyone as a witch and penalizes such actions and abetment.
- S. 4Section 4 penalizes identifying or accusing someone as a witch with imprisonment up to seven years and fines up to Rs. 500,000.
- S. 5Section 5 prohibits and punishes assaults against individuals accused of witchcraft, equating severe offenses to those causing suicide.
- S. 6Section penalizes intimidation or coercion of a person accused of witchcraft, mandating imprisonment and fines.
- S. 7Section 7 prohibits and punishes the identification and harm of individuals accused as witches with imprisonment and fines.
- S. 8Section 8 penalizes identifying or accusing someone as a witch with imprisonment up to ten years and fines up to Rs. 50,000.
- S. 9Section 9 prohibits and punishes identifying or accusing someone as a witch, subjecting them to torture or humiliation, with imprisonment and fines.
- S. 10Section penalizes identifying or accusing someone as a witch with imprisonment and fines.
- S. 11Section 11 penalizes identifying or accusing someone as a witch with up to three years' imprisonment and a fine.
- S. 12Section penalizes anyone who destroys evidence or provides false information to shield a witch-hunting offender.
- S. 13Section 13 penalizes attempts to commit offenses under the Act with the same punishment as abetting a crime under the Indian Penal Code.
- S. 14Section penalizes abetment of witch hunting offenses and holds public servants accountable for neglecting investigations.
- S. 15Section penalizes community involvement in witch hunting offenses with fines and imprisonment.
- S. 16Section 16 establishes special courts for trial of offences under the Act, mandates trial completion within a year, and declares offences cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.
- S. 17Every offence under this Act shall be cognizable, non- bailable and non-compoundable within the meaning of the Code
- S. 18Section 18 mandates imprisonment for non-payment of fines ordered by the court, compensating the victim.
- S. 19Section 19 mandates fines from witch hunting offenses to compensate victims, excluding it from other state reliefs.
- S. 20The aggrieved person may prefer an appeal before the High Court as per the provisions of the Code
- S. 21Section 21 mandates police to prevent, protect victims, and arrest offenders of suspected witch hunting, and to file FIRs.
- S. 23Section mandates government officials to report suspected witch hunting and face penalties for non-compliance.
- S. 24Section disqualifies convicted witch hunting offenders from inheriting property of their victims.
- S. 25Section empowers a magistrate to direct police to remove and produce a person allegedly victimized as a witch before the magistrate.
- S. 26The State Government can set up protective homes and rehabilitation centers for victims and provide them with free medical care.
- S. 27The section mandates the State Government to offer free medical aid and rehabilitation grants to victims of witch hunting.
- S. 28Section provides state-funded rehabilitation grants and free legal services to victims of offences under the Act.
- S. 29The aggrieved person shall have right to free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
- S. 30Section 30 exempts cases under this Act from the application of a specific Indian Penal Code provision.
- S. 31Section 31 applies relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code to the Assam Act for consistency.
- S. 32Section 32 ensures actions taken under this Act override conflicting state laws, customs, or usages.
- S. 33Section 33 protects government officials and others from legal action for actions taken in good faith under the Act.
- S. 34(1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for carrying out the purposes of thi
- S. 2012Appeal