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NCP (SP) leader Rohit Pawar on Wednesday met Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma and discussed multiple issues, including the effective implementation of the state`s anti-black magic law, reported PTI.

Push for Law Against Defamation of Social Icons

Pawar also urged the governor to support legislation empowering authorities to act against individuals making defamatory remarks about icons such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, B. R. Ambedkar and Jyotirao Phule, reported PTI.

Dabholkar’s Legacy Highlighted

Pawar noted that slain rationalist Narendra Dabholkar had played a crucial role in advocating for legislation against black magic and superstitious practices, reported PTI.

“The Act has come into force, but its implementation is not proper. I have urged the Governor to speak with the state government to ensure its effective enforcement,” he said.

Law Criminalises Superstitious and Inhuman Practices

The Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act criminalises practising, promoting, or advertising black magic and related acts, with punishments ranging from six months to seven years in prison along with fines.

Remarks by Godman Trigger Fresh Debate

Pawar alleged a rise in defamatory remarks against revered figures. He cited recent comments by self-styled godman Dhirendra Shastri targeting Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as an example, reported PTI.

“I have urged the Governor to push for a law empowering the government to act against such remarks,” he said.

Education Concerns Raised in Meeting

The Karjat-Jamkhed MLA also raised concerns about alleged excess fees being charged to students at ILS Law College in Pune.

Demand for Academic Recognition of Janardhan Waghmare

Pawar further demanded the establishment of a chair in the name of late Janardhan Waghmare, the first Vice-Chancellor of the then Nanded University, and supported the family’s request to install his statue on campus, reported PTI.

Governor Assures Consideration of Demands

Pawar said the Governor responded positively to the issues raised and assured him that they would be looked into.

(With inputs from PTI)