We need a strong law on ‘honour’ crimes
Many crimes are committed in the name of defending the honour of a caste,
clan or family. Entrenched social prejudices, feudal structures and patriarchal
attitudes are behind what are referred to as ‘honour killings’. The Supreme
Court’s has come up with strident observations against khap panchayats and
guidelines to deal with them acquire significance. It is not the first time that the apex
court has voiced its strong disapproval of khaps, or village assemblies.
In the latest judgment, a three-judge Bench has located the problem as one that
violates the liberty and dignity of individuals, and something that requires
preventive, remedial and punitive measures. Special cells and 24-hour helplines
to provide assistance and protection to young couples are recommended by the courts in some states. The Supreme Court has asked
the police to establish safe-houses for couples under threat. The court has also empowered the police to
prohibit such gatherings and effect preventive arrests. How far it is feasible?
The government should not remain content with asking the States to
implement these norms. It should expedite its own efforts too. The court might
has taken a positive step but the most urgently needed step is to protect women
from heinous crimes committed by men on the pretext of orders of the Khap
panchayats. Male domination has made the lives of women miserable.
The Governments concerned should take decisive and stern action on the
khap panchayats to close their shops forthwith. Supreme Court's ruling should
not gather dust with everything going on as usual. After a couple of articles
and editorials by writers from air conditioned ivory towers and the ruling
would be in cold storage. Are we foreigners who don't know Indian conditions. How
many of us go to villages leaving our comfort chambers.
The Supreme Court ruled that
interference, harm or insult caused to consenting adults who fall in love and
choose to marry is absolutely illegal. With this judgment, the court has filled
the vacuum caused by the lack of a specific penal law against honour killings. The
court said the fundamental right of two people who wish to get married to each
other and live peacefully is absolute. No one has any individual, group or
collective right to harass a couple. It is up to the courts to decide legally
whether a marriage is null and void, or if children are legitimate or
illegitimate; “no other person or group” have the right to intervene.
Preventing the local community panchayats from delivering judgement in
love marriages is a welcoming move. At the same time one should not forget that
some love marriages were found to be only a bondage of infatuation and lasted
for only a few years. Now a days, there are irreparable breaches even in
arranged marriages. Let wisdom prevail in lovers.
Murder in any form or on any cause is a crime punishable under the
relevant section of the Act in force. Consent between two adults may be a
relevant point in marriage. But it should not deprive the right of parents as
to rituals, custom and tradition to solemnize it. Court should have considered
the case from the criminal angle and not from micro level.
The law is all good and sundry, that’s not the point. But will it be
enforced strenuously without fear or favour? India has many comprehensive Laws
but how many of those are effectively enforced? Do laws makes any difference?
As long as women are considered as property to be disposed off as per the whims
of the men, nothing will change. The people have to change first.
First of all the panchayat Raj shud be abolished in toto as they are
doing more damage to de society than being constructive. Stricter punishment
should be given for all those taking law unto themselves in the garb of
protecting the religion and honor.
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