The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act
Relevant for sociology optional Paper- 2 & GS Mains Paper- 2
The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act, also known as the Sati Prevention Act, is an Indian law that was passed in 1987. The act was enacted to prevent the practice of Sati, which is the act of a widow immolating herself on her husband’s funeral pyre. The practice of Sati has been a part of Indian culture for centuries, and it has been documented in various texts and historical records.
The Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act criminalizes the act of Sati and also makes it illegal to glorify, support, or propagate the practice of Sati. The act imposes severe penalties on those who aid, abet, or participate in Sati. The act also provides for the protection of widows and their property.
The Sati Prevention Act was passed after a series of incidents that brought the issue of Sati into the limelight. One of the most well-known incidents was the Roop Kanwar case. Roop Kanwar was a young woman who was forced to immolate herself on her husband’s funeral pyre in 1987. The incident sparked widespread outrage and led to calls for the government to take action against the practice of Sati.
The Sati Prevention Act was the government’s response to these calls. The act was passed by the Indian Parliament on October 1, 1987, and it came into force on October 3, 1987. The act was a landmark legislation that marked the end of the practice of Sati in India.
The act defines Sati as the act of a woman burning herself on the funeral pyre of her husband or any other relative. The act also defines the act of abetting Sati as a criminal offense. The act imposes a punishment of imprisonment for not less than 7 years and up to life imprisonment for aiding, abetting, or participating in Sati. The act also makes it a criminal offense to glorify, support, or propagate the practice of Sati. The act imposes a punishment of imprisonment for not less than 3 years and up to 7 years for such offenses.
The Sati Prevention Act also provides for the protection of widows and their property. The act states that any person who attempts to force a widow to commit Sati or deprives her of her property shall be punished with imprisonment for not less than 6 months and up to 7 years.
The act also provides for the establishment of a commission to investigate cases of Sati. The commission is empowered to inquire into cases of Sati and to take appropriate measures to prevent the practice. The commission is also empowered to provide relief to widows who are victims of Sati.
The Sati Prevention Act has been a controversial law since its enactment. While many people support the act and believe that it has put an end to the practice of Sati, others argue that the act is an infringement on religious freedom and cultural traditions. Some people also argue that the act has not been effective in preventing the practice of Sati.
Despite the controversies surrounding the Sati Prevention Act, it has been successful in preventing the practice of Sati in India. There have been no reported cases of Sati in India since the enactment of the act. The act has also raised awareness about the issue of Sati and has led to a change in public attitudes towards the practice.
In conclusion, the Commission of Sati (Prevention) Act is an Indian law that criminalizes the act of Sati and makes it illegal to glorify, support, or propagate the practice of Sati. The act has been successful in preventing the practice of Sati in India and has raised awareness about the issue. While the act has been controversial, it has marked a significant step towards the elimination of harmful and outdated cultural practices. It is essential to note that the Sati Prevention Act does not violate any fundamental rights of individuals, as it aims to protect the lives and dignity of women. The act has been instrumental in bringing an end to the practice of Sati in India, which was a barbaric and inhumane practice that violated the basic human rights of women. The act has also set an example for other countries to follow, to eliminate harmful practices that have no place in modern society. It is imperative that the government continues to enforce the Sati Prevention Act and take steps to protect the rights and welfare of women in India. The act serves as a reminder that the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and promote social justice, even if it means challenging deeply entrenched cultural practices.
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