Analysis of Caste-Based Honour Killings with Special Reference to Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The menace of inhumane barbaric crimes such as caste-based honour killings has been part of our society for a long time which is a blot on the dignity of an individual. Even though the NCRB statistics have only reported some of the cases, many cases regarding this go unreported, according to civil society organisations. Such crimes are common in our country and continue to pose a threat to the lives of individuals and the societal fabric at large. Despite various landmark judgements by the Supreme Court of India yet, the directions are not followed in spirit. Also, the Law Commission Report 2012 namely, Prevention of interference with the freedom of matrimonial alliances (in the name of honour and tradition): A suggested legal framework, to a great extent has been overlooked by the lawmakers in the State Legislature of Tamil Nadu. The researcher looks into diverse instances of honour killings that have taken place in the State, and other factors that impact the perpetrators’ criminal behaviour, the role played by the judiciary and the state machinery. The research goes ahead to suggest specific measures to be taken on behalf of the State, which justifies the requirement for a sui-generis law towards preventing and combating honour killings while improving the livelihood of the survivors.