The Karnataka government has introduced a bill to safeguard individuals' right to choose their partners and prevent crimes committed in the name of honour.
The proposed legislation, titled Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the name of Honour and Tradition Bill, seeks to address coercive practices that interfere with personal relationships, particularly inter-caste marriages.
The bill defines honour crimes broadly, including not only murder but also physical assault, harassment, abduction, confinement, threats, eviction, and interference with property and employment.
It also criminalises acts such as confiscating phones, freezing bank accounts, forcing symbolic rituals, and sexual violence.
The bill prescribes stringent punishments, including a minimum prison term of five years for causing death in the name of honour.
The legislation also introduces an aggravated offence in cases where sexual relations are obtained under a false promise of marriage in an inter-caste context.
To support implementation, the bill proposes the creation of district-level bodies called 'Eva Nammava Vedike' to assist in facilitating marriages, offering counselling, and providing support services.
