Amendment status not verified — confirm the current text below against the official source.
(1) When a police officer receives information or a report that witch hunting is likely to be committed or there are reasonable grounds to suspect that witch hunting is committed against a person, he shall forthwith proceed to the place and shall take all suitable measures to prevent the witch hunting and to provide protection to the victim/likely victim including getting him/her 6 admitted in the recognised protective or shelter home, in case the person has no place for shelter. (2) The police officer shall immediately remove or cause to remove the person and the objects suspected or likely to harm the victim/ likely victim. The police officer shall verbally or in writing warn the person or persons accused of having intention or attempting at committing witch hunting to leave the place immediately and abstain from inflicting any harm upon the victim/likely victim. (3) In case the situation so warrants, the police officer may cause arrest of the person or persons and take action in accordance with section 151 of the Code. The person so arrested shall be produced before the Executive Magistrate of the area who shall proceed under the relevant provisions of Chapter VIII of the Code. (4) (i) Whenever offence against any person under the Act is reported to the police officer, in whose jurisdiction the offence is committed, the officer concerned shall record the FIR and shall take action as per law. Any failure to do so shall amount to a cognizable offence against the concerned police officer and shall be dealt with similar legal provision under the Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013. (ii) Even if such an incident is reported to a police officer belonging to an area outside the jurisdiction of the area where the incident takes place, the said officer shall record the FIR and take all necessary steps till the case is transferred to the police station having jurisdiction in the case. (5) A police officer having the area of his/her jurisdiction shall take necessary step to protect the person(s) associated with social works/NGO(s), who organize awareness programmes on witch hunting. Central Act No. of 2013 Special Provisions. 22. (1) The State Government shall,- (a) issue necessary guidelines from time to time, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act; (b) take measures for sensitisation and training of all stakeholders including officials and public regarding the issue of witch hunting; (c) ensure confidentiality during testimony of victim as well as witnesses; (d) grant adequate relief and compensation for victims of witch hunting; (e) provide rehabilitation mechanisms and schemes for victims of witch hunting; (f) provide counselling services for victims of witch hunting; 7 (g) increase public awareness through various schemes to inform communities of the Act; (h) take steps for launching of campaigns against witch hunting through combined efforts of government, administration, voluntary organisations, educational institutions etc. especially in regions where the menace is most rampant; (i) take steps for organising Women's groups at village level and drawing up creative plans in consultation with such groups to enhance the self-confidence and economic independence of vulnerable women in such areas; (j) Take appropriate measures to improve education and health in such affected areas. Obligation of certain persons/ authorities to report about the commission of offence under the Act.