Why in news?
Recent caste‑based killings in Tamil Nadu and other parts of the country on 18 August 2025 reignited debate about so‑called “honour” crimes. Families and caste councils legitimised violence against couples who married outside prescribed caste or clan boundaries, bringing the issue back into public discussion.
Background and history
Honour killings are murders committed by family or community members when individuals defy social norms in choosing a partner. These crimes arise from deeply rooted ideas about caste endogamy, patriarchal control over women and the fear of social boycott. Throughout India’s history different castes have tried to preserve status by discouraging inter‑caste marriages and, in some regions, informal councils (khap and jati panchayats) have issued diktats against such unions.
Why they happen
- Caste and community pressures: Families fear losing status if marriage happens outside their caste. This is especially visible when a dominant‑caste woman marries a Dalit man.
- Patriarchal control: Women’s freedom in choosing a partner is seen as a threat. Women are treated as bearers of family honour, so their choices are tightly controlled.
- Economic interests: Marrying within the caste keeps dowry, property and business ties intact. Inter‑caste unions are viewed as a risk to these advantages.
- Fear of boycott: Families worry about ostracism by their community. The threat of social exclusion often drives violent behaviour.
- Influence of local councils: In some states informal caste councils legitimise violence by issuing decrees against inter‑caste marriages.
- Weak enforcement: Police may hesitate to confront powerful caste groups, leaving couples vulnerable.
Impact on society
- Violation of fundamental rights: Honour killings deny citizens their right to life (Article 21) and freedom of choice (Article 19).
- Gender injustice: Women suffer disproportionately, as their mobility and choices are most restricted.
- Perpetuation of casteism: These crimes reinforce caste hierarchies instead of eroding them.
- Threat to the rule of law: When informal councils override constitutional courts, democratic governance is undermined.
- Psychological trauma: Fear of violence deters young people from choosing partners freely and causes long‑term mental stress.
Legal and constitutional safeguards
- Constitutional provisions: Articles 14, 15, 19 and 21 guarantee equality, prohibit discrimination, protect freedom of association and safeguard personal liberty.
- Statutory provisions: Existing criminal laws punish murder, attempt to murder and conspiracy. Family laws like the Hindu Marriage Act 1955 and Special Marriage Act 1954 support inter‑caste marriages.
- Judicial rulings: The Supreme Court in Lata Singh v. State of UP (2006) endorsed inter‑caste marriages; in Arumugam Servai v. State of Tamil Nadu (2011) it declared khap diktats illegal; and in Shakti Vahini v. Union of India (2018) it directed states to establish safe houses and punish officials who fail to prevent honour crimes.
- Proposed legislation: A draft Prevention of Crimes in the Name of Honour Bill seeks to specifically criminalise honour killings and assign accountability to officials.
Way forward
- Dedicated law: Enact a law with strict penalties for honour crimes and provisions to hold police accountable.
- Better enforcement: Train police to handle these cases sensitively and provide safe shelters and witness protection for threatened couples.
- Community engagement: Work with caste and religious leaders to denounce honour killings and promote inter‑caste marriages.
- Safe houses and support: Expand government‑run shelters offering counselling, legal aid and financial assistance.
- Educational campaigns: Incorporate constitutional values into school curricula and use social media to challenge caste pride.
- Incentives for inter‑caste marriages: Strengthen schemes such as the Dr Ambedkar Social Integration program to offer financial assistance and social support.
Conclusion
Honour killings are not simply family matters; they are attacks on constitutional values. Ending them requires enforcing the law, empowering young people, and reshaping social attitudes so that individual choice prevails over antiquated notions of family “honour”.