There have been many shocking incidents across India, but this one which happened in Karnataka has become a point of national debate since a woman aged 65 years was arrested for allegedly practicing a black magic spell in court. This bizarre ritual is alleged to have been performed in the 1st Additional Senior Civil Judge and JMFC Court in Chikkaballapur District. It is believed that the woman had practiced this ritual with the intention of influencing the proceedings of the ongoing civil case in her favor.
The Incident
The suspects in the case have been found to be a woman by the name of Manjula, aged 65 years old, residing in Chikkaballapur town. It was revealed that she appeared in the courtroom during an instance where there was no trial going on and then walked up to the judge’s podium, where it is believed that she sprinkled some consecrated white mustard seeds on the judge’s seat during an alleged ritual practice of black magic.
Why Does the Police Think the Ritual was Performed
It is believed that the lady had thought that this ritual would affect the ruling of the judge in a civil matter involving her. There is no indication that such practices have ever affected any judgment, but the authorities believe that this was done to get a favorable court ruling. The investigation is ongoing as to whether the lady acted alone or was influenced.
CCTV Footage Became the Key Evidence
The incident was known through the CCTV footage that was being shown to the court officials inside the courtroom. As per the allegations, the woman went to the judge’s chamber area and performed the rituals before leaving. After this incident was discovered, the Chief Administrative Officer of the court officially made a complaint to the police. On receiving the complaint along with CCTV footage, the police booked a case against the accused.
Legal Action Against the Accused
A case has been filed against the woman in accordance with the Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017. This act has been brought into force to counter exploitative and abusive practices performed in the name of black magic and superstition. Following her arrest, the woman has been brought to court, and the court remanded her to 14 days’ judicial custody.
Court Security is Questioned
In addition, the situation has drawn attention to the safety systems within court buildings as well. Given the fact that the offender managed to get to the judge’s seat without any reaction on the part of those responsible for his safety, one cannot help but question the security system that has been in place.
Superstition Versus the Rule of Law
This is yet another instance that has brought to light the power of superstition in certain parts of society. While courts operate strictly on the basis of evidence, law, and constitution, there are certain people who still hold a belief that ritualistic acts will change the outcome of the matter. It has been stressed by jurists that court decisions are made on facts and laws, not ritual or superstitions.
Public Reaction
This event received widespread coverage on social media where people were shocked that a person could try to alter the outcome of a court verdict using black magic. Some people regarded this case as an example that proved the necessity to educate people on science more. However, despite the curiosity surrounding this case due to its strange nature, people stated that it was important not to divert from the protection of the integrity of courts.
Investigation Continues
The police are still interrogating the suspect about the case and looking at the circumstances under which the incident happened. The investigators are investigating whether the ritual was planned beforehand and whether there were other people who participated in it. So far, there is no information available from the authorities on whether the ritual had any impact on the case proceedings.
Conclusion
The black magic scandal that occurred in a Karnataka court room is possibly one of the most bizarre cases in the Indian legal system to date. Though the accused is believed to have tried using black magic in an attempt to get a favorable ruling from the court, the Indian legal system functions purely based on facts and the rule of law. This case clearly shows the extent to which superstition should not be used in the process of administering justice. There will be further developments soon in this case.
