Karnataka Passes Law To Curb Honour-Based Crimes

Why in the News ?

The Karnataka Assembly has passed the Freedom of Choice in Marriage Bill, 2026, aimed at preventing honour crimes and protecting couples’ rights, while expanding definitions of offences and ensuring swift police protection amid concerns over enforcement and effectiveness.

Key Provisions of the New Legislation:

●  The Karnataka Assembly passed the Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026.

●  The law affirms that consent between two adults is sufficient for marriage, without interference from family or community.

●  It criminalises honour-based violence, including threats, harassment, and killings of couples.

●  The definition of crimes is broadened to include social and economic retaliation.

●  Acts such as forcing couples to separate, evicting them from homes, or restricting access to markets and public spaces are punishable.

●  Preventing children of such couples from attending school is also treated as an offence.

●  The law seeks to bring about social reform and protect individual liberty and dignity, ensuring a pollution free environment of fear and intimidation.

Enforcement Mechanism and Concerns

●  The Bill mandates immediate police protection to threatened couples within six hours of receiving a complaint, preventing ex-post interventions after violence occurs.

●  It aims to ensure swift response and prevent escalation into violence.

●  The government highlighted the law as a step towards social transformation and safeguarding constitutional freedoms.

●  However, opposition leaders questioned the effectiveness and deterrence of the law.

●  Concerns were raised regarding punishment adequacy, especially in cases of honour killings.

●  Implementation challenges may arise due to social norms, local pressures, and weak enforcement.

●  The Bill was passed amid political opposition walkout, indicating lack of consensus.

About Honour Crimes & Legal provision : ●  Honour Crimes: Acts of violence committed to protect perceived family or community honour, often targeting inter-caste or inter-faith couples. ●  Constitutional Rights:○   Article 14 – Equality before law○   Article 19 – Freedom of choice and expression○   Article 21 – Right to life and personal liberty (includes right to marry) ●  Key Judgment: Shakti Vahini vs Union of India (2018) – Supreme Court issued guidelines to prevent honour killings, drawing from principles of environmental democracy and participatory governance seen in the Vanashakti judgment. ●  State Responsibility: Duty to protect couples from khap panchayats and unlawful interference. ●  Highlights the tension between traditional practices and modern constitutional values, requiring proactive measures rather than reactive responses.