Law soon to curb honour killings: Chidambaram

Law soon to curb honour killings: Chidambaram 

Home Minister P Chidambaram on Thursday said that the government is actively considering a proposal to amend the existing law or to enact a special law to tackle honour killing crime.  

Responding to the Calling Attention Motion on the situation arising out of the recent spurt in the incidents of honour killings, Chidambaram said in the Lok Sabha that at present, there was no separate law to deal with the honour killings and such crimes are dealt with under the provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

Chidambaram said in pursuance of the Cabinet decision, a group of minister has been constituted to consider a draft bill on the subject. He said, the Government will bring a Bill in the current session itself to check the crime that was bringing “dishonour” to the nation.

He assured the House that it will be a strong bill calling for severest punishment and it will not only cover the crimes of honour killings but also the humiliating incidents like stripping the women in public and such violence against women.

He said that such crimes that need to be condemned in the strongest possible words.

Chidambaram said that the Centre has sought suggestions from the states. He said that an advisory has also been sent to them to register FIRs against the crime of honour killings as under the present law. He said that the States who do not do so will be held accountable.

Chidambaram said while there may be different views, there is a need to look ahead and build a secular and enlightened society which must reflect the 21st century.