India Legal News: Government Proposes Ordinance to Prevent Honor Killings

India legal news reports have consistently discussed the growing menace of honor killings in different parts of the country. The situation is going out of hand to such an extent that young Indian couples are being ruthlessly killed by their own relatives for marrying within the same gotra or for marrying outside the caste. It is every individual’s legal right to marry whoever he/she wants. Such incidents give rise to some baffling questions, such as:

• Are these crimes committed to preserve and protect family/caste honor?
• Who decides what is honorable? Is the family or a caste related community?
• Will a law against honor killings, bring any significant social change?

Political parties in India have observed diplomatic silence on this highly sensitive issue, probably not wanting to risk losing community votes. However, government cannot be blamed alone. The onus to protest against such social ills lies with the people of the country.

India Legal News: Government All Set to Deter Khap System

India legal news has reported earlier on the social practice of honor killings. Honor killing incidents continue to take place in different parts of the country, as directed by prominent khap panchayats. These are actually unauthorized courts, which are formed by the village elders who represent a specific caste. These kangaroo courts are known to award extreme punishments to young couples, who defy their notions of same gotra marriages and caste. 

To abolish their growing clout, the Central government has proposed amendments to their relevant laws. It aims to modify the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Indian Evidence Act and the Hindu Marriage Act. The proposed amendments provide for introduction of a separate provision for criminal liability under section 300 of the IPC. Based on this provision, any person who participates in decisions of these panchayats pertaining to murder of any couple, will be as criminally liable as the actual murderers. Further, social boycotting of the family members of these rebellious young couples will be also considered as a separate offence under the proposed law.

However, the recent honor killing incidents in Delhi have prompted the Centre to propose an ordinance, as an immediate step against these honor offences. The ordinance will be applicable for maximum period of six months. It is valid till a Bill is passed by the both the Houses of Parliament and a law is enacted.

Also, the Cabinet will soon discuss the option of an ordinance as an immediate remedial action over the introduction of the amended Bills.