Best UPSC Academy in Hyderabad

Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

18-January-2025-Special-Article

January 18 @ 7:00 am - 11:30 pm

HONOUR KILLING

In a tragic case of honour killing in Madhya Pradesh, a girl was murdered by her family for wanting to marry a person of her choice. Honour killings are a significant human rights violation rooted in regressive societal norms. This issue highlights the urgent need for stronger laws and societal reforms to protect individual rights and uphold justice.

What is Honour Killing?

Honour killing refers to the murder of a family member, often a woman, by relatives or community members to preserve perceived family honor.

Such actions arise from cultural, social, and religious norms that dictate strict expectations about behavior, especially regarding marriage and relationships.

Factors Leading to Honour Killings

  • Caste System: Opposition to inter-caste or same-gotra marriages due to fear of losing social status.
  • Patriarchal Society: Women are often denied the right to choose their partner as marriage is viewed as a matter of family honor.
  • Role of Caste Panchayats: Informal bodies like Khap Panchayats enforce caste norms by intimidating or punishing those who defy them.
  • Gender Disparities: Skewed sex ratios and gender inequality foster violence when traditional norms are challenged.
  • Social Standing: Family reputation is given precedence over individual rights or personal achievements.

Statistics

  • According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 25 cases of honour killings were reported in 2019 and 2020, rising to 33 in 2021. However, the actual numbers are believed to be much higher.

Consequences of Honour Killings

Violation of Rights

  • It undermines the fundamental right to life and perpetuates gender inequality, reinforcing patriarchal norms.

Impact on Society

  • Families and communities experience long-term psychological trauma and mental health issues.
  • It hinders societal progress by discouraging women’s education, employment, and empowerment.

Governance Challenges

  • Societal acceptance or weak legal frameworks often allow perpetrators to escape justice, undermining the rule of law.

International Repercussions

  • Honour killings attract global criticism for human rights violations, affecting India’s image and international relations.

Legal Provisions to Prevent Honour Killings

Indian Penal Code (IPC)

  • Sections 299–304: Penalize murder and culpable homicide, punishable by life imprisonment or death.
  • Section 307: Penalizes attempts to commit murder with up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine.
  • Section 308: Punishes attempts to commit culpable homicide with up to 3 years imprisonment, a fine, or both.
  • Sections 34 and 35: Punish criminal acts committed by a group with shared intent.

Judicial Stand

  • Lata Singh vs. State of UP (2006): The Supreme Court condemned violence against inter-caste couples, calling for harsh punishment for honour killings.
  • State of U.P vs. Krishna Master (2010): Life imprisonment was upheld for those involved in honour killings.
  • Arumugam Servai vs. State of Tamil Nadu (2011): The Supreme Court emphasized that while parents may disown children, they cannot harass or intimidate them for inter-caste marriages.
  • Shakti Vahini vs. Union of India (2018): The Supreme Court ruled that honour killings violate fundamental rights and directed states to establish protective measures for inter-caste couples.

Pending Legislation

  • The Prohibition of Unlawful Assembly Bill, 2011 sought to penalize caste-based assemblies that incite violence against self-choice marriages. Despite initial support, the bill remains unenacted.

Law Commission’s 242nd Report (2012)

  • Recommended a dedicated law to address honour killings, including clear guidelines for investigation and prosecution.

Way Forward

  • New Legislation: Enact a specific anti-honour killing law to define and punish such crimes, align with international human rights standards, and promote societal change.
  • Electoral Disqualification: Disqualify individuals convicted of honour killings from contesting elections for a minimum of five years to delegitimize such acts.
  • Fast-Track Courts: Establish special courts to expedite honour killing cases, ensuring timely justice for victims and their families.
  • Amendments to the Special Marriage Act, 1954: Reduce the waiting period for marriage registration from one month to one week to protect couples from potential threats.
  • Awareness Campaigns: Launch widespread initiatives to educate society about individual rights, gender equality, and the legal consequences of honour killings.
  • Community Engagement: Work with grassroots organizations to change regressive mindsets and empower marginalized communities, particularly women.
  • Strengthening Law Enforcement: Train police and judiciary to handle honour killing cases sensitively and effectively. Create special cells for protecting couples who face threats from families or communities.

Conclusion

Honour killings are a grave violation of human rights and a reflection of deep-seated societal issues like patriarchy, casteism, and regressive traditions. Addressing this problem requires a multifaceted approach, including stronger laws, societal reforms, and grassroots activism. Swift and decisive action will not only protect individuals’ rights but also pave the way for a more inclusive and progressive society.

Mains Question:

  1. Examine the causes and consequences of honour killings in India, and discuss the effectiveness of existing legal measures in addressing this issue. (150 WORDS)

Details

Date:
January 18
Time:
7:00 am - 11:30 pm
Event Category:
error: Content is protected !!