BETWEEN LAW & HONOUR: EXPLORING THE SOCIO-LEGAL DYNAMICS OF HONOUR KILLINGS

Abstract

Honour killings in India of late have assumed enormous propositions baffling all, including the law enforcement agencies, courts, legal fraternity and civil society, regarding its true character, extent and implications as a socio-legal construct. What are the causes of honour killings? What are the relevant provisions related to honour killings, whether these are sufficient to combat honour killings, and if not then what legislative amendments should be brought in, to eradicate the evil of honour killings from the society? The article also highlights the role of the Indian judiciary while dealing with cases related to honour killings. Since the crime of Honour killings is not specifically defined in the penal laws of India. A humble attempt is made in this paper to define the crime of Honour Killing and to distinguish it from murder, to have separate laws and specified punishment for the offence of honour killings.

Key Words: Honour killings, Blood Feuds, Behaviour, caste. Violence, murder, Provocation, Khap Panchayat.