Honour Killing is the murder of a person, usually a woman or a young couple, by family members or the community because they are believed to have brought shame or dishonour to the family or caste.
The so-called “honour” is usually associated with:
- Choosing one’s own partner
- Inter-caste or inter-religious marriage
- Rejecting forced marriage
- Expressing sexual freedom or autonomy
In many cases, it is the woman’s choices that become the target of violence.
🔹 Why Do Honour Killings Happen?
Honour killings are rooted in deep-seated patriarchy, casteism, and social control. Common reasons include:
- Marrying outside caste or religion
- Eloping without family’s consent
- Refusing arranged marriage
- Defying community traditions
- Exercising personal freedom over relationships and lifestyle
In many instances, khap panchayats (community groups) have been accused of encouraging such crimes.
🔹 Are Honour Killings Legal in India?
No. Honour killings are illegal in India and treated as cold-blooded murders. However, there is no separate law for honour killing — they are tried under general provisions of criminal law.
🔹 Relevant Laws for Honour Killings
1. Section 302 of IPC – Punishment for Murder
Anyone committing honour killing can be punished with:
- Death penalty or
- Life imprisonment and fine
2. Section 120B IPC – Criminal Conspiracy
Applies if multiple family/community members plan the killing.
3. Section 34 IPC – Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention.
4. Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005
In cases where the woman faces threats or abuse from family.
5. SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
Applicable if the victim belongs to a Scheduled Caste/Tribe and is targeted for marrying outside the caste.
🔹 Landmark Judgments
● Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018)
The Supreme Court ruled that:
- Honour killings are a flagrant violation of human rights
- Khap panchayats have no right to interfere in adult marriages
- State governments must ensure protection of couples and strict action against honour crimes
🔹 Government and Legal Measures
- Special cells for couples under threat
- Fast-track courts for honour killing cases
- Police protection and safe houses
- National and State Human Rights Commissions can intervene
🔹 Honour Killing Statistics in India
Although underreported, NCRB data and human rights groups indicate dozens of such murders each year — especially in rural Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Punjab, and parts of South India.
🔹 Why Women are Mostly Targeted?
In most cases:
- Women are viewed as custodians of family honour
- Their autonomy is seen as rebellion
- Love marriages challenge the patriarchal order and caste purity
🔹 What Can Be Done?
- Strict enforcement of laws and faster prosecution
- Public awareness about women’s rights and legal protections
- Sensitization of police and judiciary
- Banning unlawful bodies like khap panchayats when they act outside the law
- Empowering women with education and legal aid
🔹 Conclusion
Honour killings are not acts of culture — they are crimes. India’s Constitution protects every citizen’s right to life, liberty, and choice. No tradition or custom can justify violence in the name of honour.
