Honor Killings in India: Legal Responses and Societal Challenges
Honor killings are a persistent and deeply troubling form of violence in India, where individuals, especially women, are murdered by their family members to protect or restore the family’s honor. These killings often occur when individuals marry outside their caste, community, or religion, or refuse arranged marriages. Despite legal measures in place, including constitutional provisions and criminal laws, the practice continues due to deep-rooted patriarchal traditions and societal pressures. This paper examines the prevalence of honor killings in India, explores the existing legal framework, and delves deep into the view of Indian Judiciary and the guidelines issued and highlights the challenges posed by societal attitudes and cultural norms. It also discusses potential reforms and recommendations for more effective legal and social responses to this issue.
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