The Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013 was enacted to eliminate the inhuman practice of witch-hunting and to protect individuals, particularly women, from harassment, violence and social ostracism arising from allegations of witchcraft. The Act criminalises the identification, accusation, defamation, torture or persecution of any person as a witch and provides for punishment to offenders. The Department undertakes awareness and sensitisation programmes to prevent witch-hunting.

The Odisha Prevention of Witch-Hunting Act, 2013