In a decisive response to a brutal honour killing in Dharwad, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has announced the establishment of a fast-track court for a speedy trial and promised new legislation to curb such crimes. The announcements follow the murder of a 20-year-old pregnant woman, Manya Patil, for marrying a Dalit man.
Chief Minister's Stern Announcement
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing the issue on social media platform X on Sunday, stated that ensuring a swift trial and justice for the victim is the government's top priority. "Our priority is to take up the case for speedy trial and to ensure justice for the victim. Accordingly, the government will take steps to establish a fast-track court," he posted.
He further revealed that a Bill aimed at preventing honour killings and caste-based violence will be introduced in the upcoming session of the state legislature. Condemning the act, the CM said that forcing women into marriage, caste-based violence, and such killings are heinous acts that shame society.
Grim Details of the Dharwad Case
The tragic incident occurred on December 21, 2025, in Inam Veerapur village, Hubballi taluk, Dharwad district. The victim, Manya Patil, who hailed from the Lingayat community, was attacked by her father and two other relatives while she was working in a field. The attack took place seven months after her marriage to a man from the Dalit community.
A case has been registered under charges of murder and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Siddaramaiah noted that since it is an atrocity case, the charge sheet must be filed within 60 days. Steps have also been taken to appoint a private prosecutor to represent the case.
A Disturbing Pattern in Karnataka
The Dharwad case is not an isolated incident. It was among three cases of honour killings reported in Karnataka in the year 2025, highlighting a persistent social evil.
In April 2025, a teenage girl from the Kuruba community in Raichur was killed by her father after she eloped with a boy from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community. Later, in September 2025, an 18-year-old Lingayat girl named Kavita was killed by her father in another district over her relationship with a boy from the Kuruba community.
The state government's twin announcements of a fast-track court and proposed legislation signal a firm intent to address this systemic violence. The move is being closely watched as a potential model for delivering quicker justice and creating a stronger legal deterrent against honour-based crimes in the state.
