Cabinet to introduce bill against honour killings

New Delhi, Jul 8: The Union Cabinet is planning to halt the increasing honour killings in the country by introducing a bill that proposes introduction of an additional definition of 'murder' under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The new bill will check elders from taking part in decisions of khap panchayats ordering honour killings.

After consulting the law governing bodies home ministry decided to introduce the bill which will be effective in deterring the khap panchayats from ordering killing of young couples marrying within the gotra.

The proposed bill will give additional definition to 'murder' that would make khap dictated honour killings a distinct offence and would make all those who participate in the decision liable to be tried for the main charge, that is murder. This would make him liable for the maximum penalty that is death sentence.

The Indian Penal Code & Certain Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2010, proposes to introduce 'fifthly' clause to Section 300 of IPC which at present defines 'murder' under four categories.

The new changes in the laws will provide severe punishments against honour killings and the social boycotts.

OneIndia News