The Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026, has cleared the state legislative council, paving the way for its passage into law.
The legislation aims to prevent violence in the name of family honour and provides legal protections for couples, particularly those in inter-caste relationships, who face threats or coercion.
Key provisions of the bill include a minimum five-year prison sentence for killings carried out in the name of honour, the criminalisation of social boycotts linked to such cases, and the establishment of state-funded safe houses in every district.
The bill also mandates institutional support, including police protection within six hours of receiving a complaint from a threatened couple and access to legal aid and assistance from non-governmental organisations.
The passage of the bill follows a series of incidents in the state, including the 2025 killing of Manya Patil in Hubballi, allegedly by her father and associates.
