“Culture” and “traditions”, these words are always viewed optimistically, especially in India. We take pride in our rich roots. But what about the terrible side of it? Honour killing comes in one of those sides. And it is justified by those traditions.
Honour killing is a “cultural crime”. It is the murder of a person by the members of the family when they break the particular norms and rules set by their society and bring “dishonour” to the family. But statistically, women are the victims of this crime more than men as women are treated as properties. They are supposed to be the honour of the household and if they do something that translates to dishonour in the eyes of conservative norms, they are murdered. It is believed that women carry the pride and reputation of the family. The hard fact being that countries like Jordan have legalised honour killing and some countries have minimal punishment for it.
Facts and Statistics
Honour killing occurs around the globe. The UN in 2000 estimated that 5000 women were murdered annually. But these are just the numbers that have been reported. Honour killings are often disguised as accidents or murders or sometimes they aren’t reported at all.
It is suspected that the number is more than 20,000. Honour killings also comprise acid attacks, physical and sexual assault and kidnapping.
In India, there were 251 cases of honour killing that we know of in 2015 according to the national crime records bureau. The law clearly states that if two people want to marry each other, no third party can stop them. Although the sad truth is there are no separate laws for the criminals of honour killing. Often, if men commit crimes like physical abuse, it is excused as something to restore the honour of the family.
Intentions Behind the Act
The prevailing socio-cultural problems in society are the reason for these crimes. The difference between castes, religion or status creates a barrier between people. Inter caste marriages are one of the biggest reasons for crime.
In the name of “Faith”, these actions of hate are carried forward. Society continues to take rights from women. Even the right to choose to marry. According to the Constitution, honour killing violates Article 14, 15(1) & (3) 19, 21, and 39(f).
For people practising honour killing, faith and family’s reputation is more important than their blood. Even women from that particular society allow and believe in this sort of faith. Morals, ethics, values, all these are are different for the people who believe that women are inferior. A set of rules are given and they have to follow them. Their thinking is so conservative and sexist that they don’t see past their ways.
Sadly, the killings are increasing every day. To think that the women and girls are punished for things as little as wear something that isn’t acceptable or saying “no” to arrange marriages.
One horrifying example of honour killing is the 2018 Kausalya and Sankar case. Kausalya dropped out of college to marry her boyfriend Sankar and a few months later Sankar was killed by men sent by Kausalya’s father. Her father wanted both of them dead as he thought they brought dishonour to his caste.
One more example that is still talked about and shook India in 2008 is the Arushi murder case also knows as the Noida double murder case. The case refers to the unsolved murders of 13-year-old girl Aarushi Talwar and 45-year-old Hemraj Banjade, a male live-in help employed by her family. They were killed in arushi’s home on the night of 15-16 May.
Arushi’s parents were accused for the murder but have been acquitted. Even after proven innocent. The majority of the People still believe that they did it. The belief comes from the fact people in India have noticed pride being more Important than lives so in their mind they think that it’s a possibility that Arushi may have been murdered by her parents.
It’s a gruesome fact that pride, caste and religion are more important than lives in some parts of the world.
Indian Law on the Act
According to the Constitution, honour killing violates Article 14, 15(1) & (3) 19, 21, and 39(f). Chief Justice of India authored a 54-page judgement in which it said “the act of honour killing puts the rule of law in a catastrophic crisis”.
It also explained how the government is supposed to protect the life and dignity of everyone. If two adults have a legal and consensual relationship, no third party has a say.
This judgment was drawn against Khap panchayat. Khap panchayat is a union of villages, they are known to give harsh punishments based on old and conservative norms. The Supreme court has also made it mandatory to video record khap and panchayat meetings.
“The human rights of a daughter, brother, sister or son are not mortgaged to the so-called or so-understood honour of the family or clan or the collective,” was also written in the judgement. Supreme Court has issued strict guidelines until a law has been issued against honour killings.
We need to stand up and be united against crimes like these. Various lives suffer because people are too afraid to do something about it. Luckily, there are NGO’s and NPO’s working hard to make a difference such as:
Himmat Mahila Samooh, based in Rohtak, Haryana. They were referenced in Satyamev Jayate for their continuous battle against honour killings.
There are few voices speaking out against crimes happening in the name of honour. In spite of this situation, people from across the country have extended unprecedented support, encouraging us further
Jagmati Sangwan, President, Himmat Mahila Samooh
This organisation has hosted seminars to train people and now has an office space to teach people about these crimes
HBVA ( Honour based violence awareness network) is an international digital resource centre working to advance understanding and awareness of Honour Killings and Honour Based Violence. They specialise in figuring out and understanding honour killing. Their network grows, they promote and build NGO’s to help. They train people to help and stand against this crime.
“There is no ‘honour’ in honour killing”. Everyone has a right to a dignified life of their choosing.
