In the heart of India, where spirituality and faith have long been cherished, a dark and distressing trend has emerged. The recent tragedy in Hathras, where 121 people were stampeded to death in an event organised by the self-styled godman Bhole Baba, has shaken the nation to its core. Authorities had authorised a gathering of 80,000 people, but the event drew a crowd of approximately 250,000, according to the first information report (FIR) filed by the police.[1]

Chaos erupted as the preacher prepared to depart in his car. The police report stated that thousands of devotees rushed towards his vehicle, collecting dust from the path as an act of devotion, as Baba said they should bring that dust to their home, which would cure all their illnesses. So the crowd surged, and many people sitting and squatting on the ground were trampled. The irony is that Bhole Baba has still not been arrested even though his name was not mentioned in the F.I.R. report.

This horrifying incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these pseudo-spiritual leaders who exploit the trust and desperation of their followers for personal gain. The phenomenon of self-styled godmen is not confined to any single religion and extends across various faiths, including Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam.

These figures often exploit religious beliefs and superstitions for personal gain, leading to significant social issues and criminal activities. In Christianity, figures like televangelists and confident, charismatic leaders have been known to exploit their followers In the realm of Islam, some Sufi mystics or pirs have also been criticised for exploiting their followers

The Congress party has fervently demanded the enactment of stringent laws to curb the activities of fake godmen. This article delves into the urgent need for national legislation to protect vulnerable individuals and restore the sanctity of genuine spiritual practices in India.

The Rise of Self-Styled Godmen
Self-styled godmen claim to possess divine powers or a special connection with the divine, often without any legitimate religious or spiritual backing. These individuals attract large followings, promising miracles, spiritual healing, and personal prosperity. The appeal of these godmen lies in their charisma, persuasive oratory, and the desperate need of people seeking solace in times of distress.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, is one of the most infamous examples of a self-styled godman. With millions of followers, he promised miracles, spiritual healing, and personal prosperity. His followers revered him as a living god despite his flamboyant lifestyle and extravagant claims. In 2017, Singh was convicted of raping two female followers, a verdict that led to widespread riots resulting in the deaths of 38 people and injuries to over 200 others. The Dera Sacha Sauda's influence was so vast that it allegedly impacted local elections and had significant sway over political figures.

Asaram Bapu
Another prominent figure is Asaram Bapu, a self-styled godman who amassed a massive following by claiming to have divine powers and offering spiritual guidance. He established numerous ashrams across India and abroad, and his followers included high-profile politicians and celebrities. However, Asaram's reputation crumbled when he was convicted of raping a minor in 2013. His arrest and subsequent conviction in 2018 brought to light several other cases of sexual assault, financial fraud, and illegal land acquisitions linked to him and his organisation.

Nithyananda
Swami Nithyananda, another self-styled godman, gained notoriety for his claims of miraculous powers and divine experiences. He attracted a substantial following through his charismatic discourses and elaborate rituals. However, his image took a severe hit when he was accused of sexual assault and fraud. In 2010, a video surfaced allegedly showing him in a compromising position with an actress, leading to his arrest. Although he was later released on bail, the controversy surrounding Nithyananda exposed the darker side of his operations, including allegations of financial misconduct and abuse within his ashrams.

The Above Godmans are just the ones who were Prosecuted. There are a plethora of Godmans in India. They Present in every Religion and every corner of India and Run their business by Misbelieving people that they are God's Chosen or identify themselves as God. In Islam, People like Imran alias Simran Khan and in Christianity, People like K.A. Paul and Bishop, Franco Mulakkal They, Are Prosecuted on the Charges of Claiming Magical remedies, Rape, Murder and many more severe charges Due to the lack of National Legislation and Rules, many Godmans are Still Running their Business of Fake beliefs.

The proliferation of self-styled godmen in India can be partly attributed to the socio-economic conditions and the psychological needs of the populace. The Role of politicians in the proliferation of these golden cannot be ignored because these godmen have massive followers, and politicians support them and provide protection for their electoral gains.

According to a report by the Pew Research Center, over 80% of Indians consider religion very important in their lives, creating a fertile ground for godmen to exploit religious sentiments. Furthermore, a significant portion of the population, especially in rural areas, lacks access to quality healthcare and education, making them more susceptible to the promises of miraculous cures and solutions these godmen offer. A study by the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (C.S.D.S.) found that nearly 30% of Indians follow a religious guru. This high level of influence underscores the urgent need for regulatory oversight to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

The Dark Side of Self-Styled Godmen
While some spiritual leaders genuinely work for the betterment of society, the activities of many self-styled godmen have raised significant concerns. Numerous cases of exploitation, sexual abuse, financial fraud, and even murder have come to light over the years. These godmen manipulate vulnerable individuals, taking advantage of their faith and trust for personal gain.

• Exploitation and Manipulation: Self-styled godmen often exploit their followers' faith for material and sexual gain. Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, for instance, was convicted of raping his followers and manipulating them under the guise of spiritual practice.
• Sexual Abuse: Many godmen, such as Asaram Bapu and Swami Nithyananda, have been involved in sexual abuse scandals, using their spiritual authority to exploit devotees.
• Financial Fraud: Godmen like Radhe Maa have been accused of financial fraud and extortion, amassing wealth by exploiting followers' trust.
• Murders and Violence: Some godmen have been implicated in murders and violent acts to silence dissent. Swami Amritanand and the violent reactions of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's followers are notable examples.
• Psychological Manipulation: Godmen often use psychological tactics to control and intimidate followers, maintaining their loyalty and obedience through fear and reverence.

In the case of C.N. Siva Shankaran v. State of Madras[2] Court Very rightly said about these self-styled godmen, "late, our society has been a hapless witness to the mushrooming of self-styled Godmen and Gurus who hold out promises of deliverance or salvation to the people who look upon them for answers for all their inner struggles, who are being driven to the point of despair and despondency. A society that is myriad of religious people with all-pervasive influence becomes invariably susceptible to machinations at the hands of the phoney Gurus.

The Society's collective gullibility in matters of faith comes in handy for the fake Godmen and the so-called spiritual Gurus for exploitation to the hilt. The reverential faith reposed in such spurious Gurus by their multitude of minions stands betrayed at the eventual exposure of their wickedness hidden behind the mask of spirituality. Unfortunately, in the meantime, many people of all age groups become victims of their blind faith. Society needs to guard itself against the attempts by such Gurus to exploit the people's emotional dependence on external agencies/forces.

Ultimately, these struggles and the trepidations of the followers, whether they find answers or not, perfidious spiritual Gurus invariably end up exponentially successful in the aggrandisement of their wealth, power and influence, which has a cascading detrimental effect on the common man"

These activities highlight the urgent need for regulatory oversight and legal measures to protect vulnerable communities from exploitation and preserve the integrity of spiritual practices.

Most Followers of Self-Styled Godmen are from Underprivileged Sections of Society
Self-styled godmen predominantly attract followers from underprivileged and poorer sections of society due to several factors, including socio-economic conditions, lack of access to healthcare and education, and psychological needs.

Socio-Economic Conditions:

• Desperation and Hopelessness: People from underprivileged backgrounds often struggle for survival, lacking necessities, stable employment, and social security. This desperation makes them susceptible to promises of prosperity and well-being by godmen like Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Bhole Baba, etc.
   
• Illiteracy and Lack of Education: Many followers come from rural areas with low literacy rates, making them less likely to question godmen's claims. The National Sample Survey Office (N.S.S.O.) reported that the rural literacy rate in India was about 71% in 2017-18, significantly lower than in urban areas.

Lack of Access to Healthcare:

• Promises of Miraculous Cures: Self-styled godmen attract followers by claiming healing powers. For example, Asaram Bapu drew followers by claiming to cure diseases and offering spiritual healing, appealing to those without proper medical care in Hathras. Also, thousands of devotees rushed towards Bhole Baba's vehicle, collecting dust from the path. Baba said to bring that dust to their home, and this would cure all their illnesses. Even People Go to Bhole Baba Aasram to collect the Tap Water. They call Water a drink of Immortality. Spreading superstition is an offence under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act (1954). The advertisement of drugs and remedies claiming magical properties is a cognisable offence. Section 3 Prohibits advertisements for certain drugs and remedies for diseases and conditions listed in the schedule.
   
• Affordable Alternatives: With expensive and inaccessible healthcare, especially in rural areas, godmen often appear as affordable and immediate solutions.

Psychological Needs

• Emotional Support and Community: Godmen provide a sense of community and emotional support, which are often lacking in the lives of the poor. For instance, Followers of Nithyananda were drawn for spiritual guidance and the support system his ashrams provided.
   
• Belief in Supernatural Solutions: People are likelier to believe in supernatural solutions in distressing times. The 2011 Census of India noted a significant belief in spiritual healers, which godmen exploit.

Not only the Underprivileged and uneducated, but even many Educated persons become followers of these Godmans, and they are not able to free their minds from Stereotypes. Recently, Justice Sharma of the Rajasthan High Court told the media that "Peacock is a Brahmachari, and it does not have sex with a female peacock. The peahen gets pregnant, drinking the tears of the peacock. Even lord Krishna carried the feather of a peacock on his head." These statements are against proven science; this kind of statement makes us think that if our judges are not free from Stereotypes, then who will bring reform, Even Many social media influencers, Popular Politicians, and Bureaucrats support Stereotypes and go to the Darbars of these Godmans

Some States have Specific Legislation
In India, several states have enacted laws to combat superstitious practices, black magic, and exploitation by self-styled godmen, although there is no comprehensive national legislation addressing these issues. Here's a summary of key state-specific laws:

• Maharashtra: The Maharashtra Prevention and Eradication of Human Sacrifice and Other Inhuman, Evil and Aghori Practices and Black Magic Act, 2013, criminalises human sacrifices, magical remedies, and other exploitative practices by self-styled godmen.
   
• Karnataka: The Karnataka Prevention and Eradication of Inhuman Evil Practices and Black Magic Act, 2017, bans harmful practices like black magic and human sacrifice, targeting those who exploit superstitions for personal gain.
   
• Odisha: The Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013, focuses on criminalising witch-hunting and related violence, indirectly impacting self-styled godmen involved in promoting such beliefs.
   
• Rajasthan: The Rajasthan Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2015, similarly addresses witch-hunting and violence against individuals branded as witches, indirectly affecting self-styled godmen who incite such practices.
   
• Assam: The Assam Witch Hunting (Prohibition, Prevention and Protection) Act, 2015, criminalises witch-hunting and protects victims, affecting self-styled godmen promoting or perpetuating witch-hunting.
   
• Bihar: The Bihar Prevention of Witch Practices Act, 1999, early legislation against superstitious practices, bans witchcraft-related practices and penalties for offenders, impacting self-styled godmen involved in these practices.
   
• Chhattisgarh: The Chhattisgarh Tonhi (Witch) Prevention Act, 2005, aimed at preventing witch-hunting and related practices, indirectly impacting self-styled godmen promoting such beliefs.
   
• Jharkhand: The Jharkhand Anti-Superstition Bill, 2017 (Proposed), aims to criminalise a range of superstitious practices, potentially targeting self-styled godmen exploiting such beliefs.

These laws focus on eradicating harmful superstitions, black magic, and witch-hunting practices, indirectly targeting self-styled godmen who exploit people's beliefs for personal gain. However, the effectiveness of these state-specific laws varies, and there is a recognised need for comprehensive national legislation to address these issues uniformly across all religions in India.

National legislation would provide a cohesive legal framework, enhancing protections for vulnerable populations and promoting rational thinking and scientific temper. Further legislative efforts at the national level are crucial to fill gaps in the legal landscape and ensure consistent enforcement against exploitation by self-styled godmen nationwide.

Need for National Legislation
The existing legal framework in India is inadequate to tackle the menace of self-styled godmen. While some states have enacted laws to regulate the activities of these individuals, comprehensive and Uniform national legislation is essential to address the issue uniformly across the country. Currently, These Godmans Froud is charged with Section 420 of IPC and Human Sacrifice is charged with Section 102 of IPC because of the absence of Specific Countywide legislation. Large crowds come during this Self-styled Godmans Satsang Program, and in most cases, the crowd is managed by their men called Sevadars in a very rash manner. Their First Priority is Baba, not people's lives. Hathras Stampede is an example of this.

Tragedy in Hathras, where a stampede during a religious gathering organised by a self-styled godman claimed 121 lives, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by these individuals. India, a land steeped in rich spiritual traditions, finds itself grappling with a growing menace – self-styled godmen who exploit the faith and vulnerabilities of millions for their own personal gain. The absence of robust national legislation targeting their activities creates a legal vacuum that allows them to operate with impunity.

National legislation against self-styled godmen is urgently needed:

• Curbing Exploitation: Devotees, driven by faith and trust, are often easy prey for financial exploitation. These godmen pressure followers to donate exorbitant sums of money, property, or valuables under the guise of religious offerings. Legislation can establish clear boundaries and empower authorities to investigate potential financial abuse.
   
• Protecting the Vulnerable: Sexual assault and psychological manipulation are often weapons in the arsenal of these godmen. They exploit their position of spiritual authority to coerce followers, particularly women and children. A national law can provide a legal framework for victims to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable.
   
• Promoting Transparency: Many godmen operate in a shroud of secrecy, amassing vast wealth with no oversight. Standardised disclosure requirements for their finances and activities would increase transparency and hold them accountable for the way they manage donations and resources.
   
• Ensuring Uniformity: Existing laws like the Indian Penal Code can be used in cases of proven crimes like fraud or assault. However, the manipulative tactics employed by godmen often fall into legal grey areas. National legislation would establish a clear and uniform definition of unacceptable behaviour nationwide.
   
• Stronger Deterrence: Existing penalties for offences perpetrated by godmen are often inadequate. A national law can establish stricter punishments to serve as a deterrent and discourage these manipulative practices.

Some may argue that such legislation might infringe on religious freedom Under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution. However, true religious freedom should not be a shield for criminal activities or exploitation. A well-crafted national law can balance safeguarding religious freedom and protecting vulnerable citizens. Justice Arnould said that in Maharaja Libel's case before the Bombay High Court, what is morally wrong cannot be theologically right, so you cannot say that your religious belief permitted you to do something morally Unconscionable.

The Hathras tragedy is a wake-up call. India needs strong national legislation to dismantle the web of deceit spun by self-styled godmen. Only then can we ensure that faith remains a source of solace and spiritual growth, not exploitation and despair. We must act now to prevent further tragedies and protect the sanctity of genuine spiritual practice. The echoes of grief from Hathras demand a legislative response that safeguards devotees and fosters true religious freedom.

Conclusion
The rise of self-styled godmen in India highlights the complex interplay between religion, socio-economic conditions, and psychological needs. While some may offer genuine spiritual guidance, many exploit their followers for personal gain, leading to tragic consequences. The cases of Suraj Pal [ Bhole Baba }, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Asaram Bapu, and Nithyananda are stark reminders of the potential dangers these fraudulent figures pose.

There is an urgent need for comprehensive national legislation to regulate the activities of self-styled godmen in all religions, protect vulnerable communities, and ensure that genuine spiritual practices can thrive without exploitation. The need for national legislation against self-styled godmen in India is urgent and imperative.

Such legislation would protect vulnerable populations, ensure accountability, and promote genuine spirituality. It is time for the government to take decisive action to safeguard the people's interests and preserve the sanctity of religious and spiritual practices in the country. Only through comprehensive and effective legal measures can we hope to curb the menace of self-styled godmen and build a society based on trust, integrity, and genuine spirituality.

End Notes:

1. MANU/TN/3315/2021.

Written By: Gaurav Kumar Modanwal, 2nd Year Student at Dr Ram Manohar Lohiya National Law University, Lucknow.