Karnataka Government Clears Landmark 'Eva Nammava' Bill Targeting Honour Killings
The Karnataka state government on Thursday approved a groundbreaking legislative proposal titled 'Eva Nammava, Eva Nammava, 2026', which introduces severe penalties for honour killings and actively promotes freedom of choice in marriage. This significant bill, cleared during a key session, mandates a minimum imprisonment of five years for individuals convicted of committing crimes under the guise of honour or tradition.
Key Provisions and Legal Framework
All offences outlined in the bill are classified as cognizable and non-bailable, ensuring swift legal action and denying bail to accused individuals. The legislation is scheduled to be formally presented during the ongoing budget session of the state legislature. Beyond addressing honour killings, the bill extends protection against false promises of marriage, specifically targeting cases where a person engages in a physical relationship with an adult woman based on a marriage promise but later reneges upon learning her caste.
Legislative Rationale and Debates
The introduction of this separate bill followed extensive deliberation, despite existing stringent laws under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other allied legal measures. Proponents argued for its necessity to explicitly articulate "freedom of choice in marriage and prevention and prohibition of caste-based crimes". In response to concerns over potential misuse, the government refined the bill to strengthen its pursuit of honour killing cases, particularly addressing worries about "false" complaints against dominant communities. Ministers from these communities had advocated for a higher burden of proof to establish that a crime was indeed committed in the name of honour.
Detailed Punishments and Scope
The bill stipulates that, "without prejudice to the punishment provided under BNS, whoever causes death through any means or commits any such act that results in the death of a couple or either of them or any person in the name of honour" shall face a minimum five-year jail term. Additionally, it prescribes punishments ranging from two to three years for involvement in honour killing, criminal intimidation, or social and economic boycotts related to such cases.
Other Government Decisions
In other developments, the state government deferred a decision on the new state education policy report, opting for a detailed study before finalizing any action. Regarding infrastructure, the government plans to execute the Rs 1,980 crore project for a new international cricket stadium and sports village at KHB Suryanagar in a phased manner. Other approved measures include:
- An additional Rs 100 professional tax applicable only for February
- A new state advertising policy
- Establishment of a centre of excellence in agriculture at Kalaburagi
This comprehensive legislative move underscores Karnataka's commitment to combating honour-based violence and safeguarding individual freedoms in marriage choices.
