Will bring law next session, Dispur to HC

* Witch hunting

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, April 6: Dispur on Monday told the Gauhati High Court that the legislation against witch hunting will be tabled in the next session of the State Assembly.

As per the directions of the High Court, Home Commissioner LS Changsan on Monday appeared before a division bench of Chief Justice (acting) K Shreedhar Rao and Justice PK Saikia.

Advocate General AC Buragohain submitted before the court that the State government has already come out with the draft bill to prevent witch hunting, which is now awaiting approval of the Cabinet.

In view of the undertaking given by the State to bring the necessary legislation in the next Assembly session, the PIL was disposed off as a copy of the draft bill has been submitted in the court.

The counsel of the petitioner Bhaskar Dev Konwar, however, stated that there is a scope for improvement in the draft bill and that the government should place the bill in public domain and seek suggestions from all stakeholders, including NGOs working in the field. He also expressed concern over the lack of protective home and rehabilitation centres for victims of witch hunting.

General secretary of the NGO Brothers Dibyajyoti Kalita said in order to make the new law effective, the bill should be kept in public domain and suggestions invited from all stakeholders.