Ritual Pots Not Criminal: Mumbai Court Quashes Case

The Greater Mumbai Sessions Court has overturned a lower court's order, quashing summons issued against Niket Vijay Mehta in connection with the Lilavati Hospital black magic case. The court found significant shortcomings in the evidence presented, particularly regarding the alleged burial of eight copper pots. These pots reportedly contained human remains, rice, and ash, which the complainant suspected were linked to black magic rituals intended to harm trustees.

Additional Sessions Judge Kunal Dhanaji Jadhav highlighted the lack of clarity on who buried the pots, when they were buried, and the specific roles of the accused. Crucially, the court pointed out the absence of forensic evidence to confirm the human origin of the bones or the connection of other materials to unlawful activities. The judge remarked that burying ritual pots is a customary Hindu practice associated with Vastu and religious ceremonies.

Therefore, the court asserted that such practices cannot be automatically criminalized without proof of prohibited conduct or intent to cause harm. The summoning order was deemed legally unsustainable, leading to the quashing of the summons against Niket Mehta.