Judge Condemns Superstitious Practices Targeting Girls, Advocates Education as Solution
Senior civil judge and district legal services authority member secretary GK Dakshayini has issued a strong condemnation of superstitious practices that are routinely imposed upon girls under the guise of tradition and divinity. She emphasized that these harmful customs have a profoundly negative impact on the psychological well-being and development of young women across communities.
Legal Awareness Program Highlights Persistent Issues
Speaking at a comprehensive legal awareness program held in Gopalapura village, which focused on the prohibition of child marriage, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, and the Prohibition of Superstitious Practices Act, Judge Dakshayini articulated her concerns. The event was organized collaboratively by the District Legal Services Authority along with several other governmental departments.
"It is deeply regrettable that despite the government implementing numerous laws against social exclusion and superstitious practices, these traditions continue to persist, particularly in rural areas," she stated. The judge pointed out that while the government has introduced various programs aimed at the development and empowerment of girls, the execution and implementation of these initiatives have often fallen short of expectations.
Education as a Powerful Tool Against Patriarchal Norms
Judge Dakshayini stressed that the eradication of superstitious practices, which are often deeply entrenched in patriarchal societal structures, cannot be achieved overnight. "The practice of superstitions in the name of tradition is not a problem that can be resolved in a single day. However, educated girls can become strong enough to fight against patriarchal society, unorthodox practices, and superstitions," she asserted.
She made it unequivocally clear that forcing girls out of their villages during menstruation or postnatal periods is not only harmful but also illegal. "Those who encourage such harmful practices are also subject to legal punishment," she warned, underscoring the legal ramifications for perpetrators. Her message was a firm advocacy for the protection of girls through robust education, which she views as the most effective shield against regressive customs.
Support from Judicial Colleagues on Implementation Gaps
Echoing these sentiments, Kiran Kumar D Vadigeri, the senior civil judge of Arasikere court, highlighted similar concerns regarding the implementation of governmental schemes. He noted that although successive governments have introduced several schemes and special laws designed to ensure the safety and self-reliance of girls, their proper implementation remains a significant challenge.
"Superstitions in the name of tradition are not the right approach, as they hinder the mental, physical, and future well-being of girls," Judge Vadigeri remarked. He concurred that educated individuals play a crucial role in eradicating these issues at their root, suggesting that awareness and education are fundamental to creating lasting change.
Both judges emphasized that the fight against superstitious practices requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society, with education serving as the cornerstone for empowering girls to challenge and overcome these deep-seated traditions.
