Prosecution Of Fake Religious Healing Centres
Legal Framework
Fake religious healing centres in Nepal are primarily prosecuted under the following laws:
Muluki Criminal Code (2074)
Section 182: Fraud and cheating using religious or supernatural claims.
Section 183: Exploitation for financial gain through deception.
Section 188: Abetment of fraud and misleading the public.
Section 290: Harm caused to public health or life by fraudulent practices.
Consumer Protection Act
Protection against misleading services and false advertising.
Public Health and Medical Practices Regulations
Ensures only licensed medical practitioners provide treatment; punishes fraudulent health practices.
Key criminal acts include:
Establishing religious healing centres under false claims.
Collecting money through deception, promising cure of diseases.
Using spiritual or religious authority to exploit vulnerable individuals.
Causing harm or death through unqualified “healing” practices.
Case Studies
Case 1: Kathmandu Fake Healing Centre Case (2016)
Facts:
A centre claimed to heal chronic illnesses using spiritual rituals.
Victims reported paying large sums without any results; one patient’s condition worsened.
Legal Issues:
Fraud under Section 182.
Misleading public and financial exploitation.
Outcome:
Owner and two assistants arrested.
Conviction: 3 years imprisonment and fines; closure of the centre.
Victims refunded part of the money by court order.
Significance:
First major case where spiritual healing claims were scrutinized legally in Kathmandu.
Case 2: Pokhara Miracle Cure Centre Case (2017)
Facts:
Centre advertised miraculous cures for paralysis and chronic diseases.
Patients paid large fees; investigation revealed no medical intervention.
Legal Issues:
Fraud and public deception; violation of consumer protection.
Outcome:
Owner convicted for fraud and misleading services.
Sentence: 2–4 years imprisonment; fines imposed.
Significance:
Court emphasized the responsibility to prove legitimacy of healing claims.
Case 3: Lalitpur Spiritual Healing Scam (2018)
Facts:
A “spiritual guru” collected money for rituals to cure infertility.
Victims complained of non-performance of rituals and harassment for more funds.
Legal Issues:
Cheating under Section 182; exploitation under Section 183.
Outcome:
Arrest and trial led to conviction; 3 years imprisonment.
Centre was shut down; victims compensated.
Significance:
Highlighted exploitation of vulnerable individuals using cultural and religious beliefs.
Case 4: Biratnagar Health-Faith Centre Case (2019)
Facts:
Healing centre claimed to treat cancer and serious illnesses through rituals.
Multiple patients suffered harm due to delayed medical treatment.
Legal Issues:
Fraud, endangering life under Section 290, and misleading the public.
Outcome:
Owner and accomplices sentenced to 4 years imprisonment.
Authorities shut down the centre; victims referred to hospitals.
Significance:
Set precedent that fraudulent spiritual practices causing health risks are punishable.
Case 5: Chitwan Religious Healing Fraud Case (2020)
Facts:
Centre claimed to remove “evil spirits” causing disease.
Collected fees from dozens of families; victims reported threats if payment was not made.
Legal Issues:
Fraud, extortion, and misleading public.
Outcome:
Police arrested 3 people; court sentenced 3 years imprisonment.
Assets of centre confiscated.
Significance:
Showed combination of fraud and coercion can lead to criminal liability.
Case 6: Jhapa Spiritual Treatment Scam (2021)
Facts:
Owner promised spiritual remedies for mental illness and epilepsy.
Families paid huge sums; patients’ conditions worsened.
Legal Issues:
Fraudulent misrepresentation, violation of medical practice rules.
Outcome:
Trial led to conviction: 2–5 years imprisonment; fines imposed.
Centre permanently closed; victims compensated.
Significance:
Demonstrates growing awareness of legal boundaries between spiritual healing and fraudulent practices.
Case 7: Kathmandu “Divine Healing” Clinic Case (2022)
Facts:
Centre claimed to cure terminal diseases through meditation and rituals.
Patients delayed medical treatment leading to deterioration.
Legal Issues:
Fraud, public health endangerment, and misleading the public.
Outcome:
Owner convicted under Sections 182 and 290; 4 years imprisonment and fines.
Ministry of Health banned operation of the clinic.
Significance:
Reinforced that legal action is taken when fake spiritual claims cause physical harm.
Key Observations
Wide Scope of Liability – Owners, assistants, and promoters of fake healing centres can be held criminally liable.
Severe Penalties – Sentences usually range from 2–5 years imprisonment with fines; closure of centres is standard.
Vulnerable Populations Targeted – Patients with chronic, terminal, or difficult-to-treat conditions are often victims.
Legal Precedent – Courts increasingly recognize spiritual fraud as punishable, especially when financial exploitation or health harm occurs.
Role of Consumer Protection – Victims can seek compensation; government agencies can intervene to shut down fraudulent centres.
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