Cursed for being Her: Witch Branding & The Triple Jeopardy of Intersectional Oppression in Rural India

Feminism, meant for the empowerment of women, has failed those women beaten down under the triple jeopardy of caste, class and, gender. Gender violence includes a gamut of violations ranging from threats and profanities screamed, to murder, sexual violations, female genital mutilation, bride burning, child marriage, amongst a million others. A nation’s criminal justice system serves as a mirror, reflecting the underlying values and culture of the civilization. India continues to be plagued by the idea of black magic and witchcraft to this day, giving rise to witch hunts and witch branding which remains to be one of the most diabolical and archaic practices persisting in our world. It disproportionately targets women, especially those from the lowest strata of society. This not only exists in our nation but has been seen everywhere throughout history, proving to be a form of social control rather than a genuine belief in providing justice. Women are often branded as witches for any sort of misfortune; however, there exists an undertone of patriarchal control and caste hierarchy in the process of branding these women. Despite being a crime that individuals are subjected to carry the heaviness of, despite being acknowledged as a social wrong, and despite several legislative bills brought forward to curb these practices, it continues to persist at an alarming frequency. This research paper examines the intersectional vulnerability of women who face the triple jeopardy: gendered violence, caste oppression, and class discrimination. It critically analyses the existing legal position India holds in relation to such crimes, the lack of uniformity, awareness measures and robust rehabilitation.