Government considering separate ‘Manya Act’ to prevent honour killings: Minister H C Mahadevappa

Hubballi: In a strong message against honour killings, Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa on Thursday said the Karnataka government is considering bringing a separate law, tentatively referred to as the “Manya Act”, to effectively prevent such crimes.

The minister made the statement after visiting Inam Veerapur village, where a horrific honour killing incident was reported, and meeting the victim’s family.

Condemning the incident in the strongest terms, Mahadevappa described the killing of a seven-month pregnant woman by her own family members as “brutal, inhuman and shameful for a civilised society”.

“The government will not tolerate such acts. This is a reflection of regressive and feudal mindsets, which must be crushed. Those involved in the crime, as well as those who encouraged it, will face strict and uncompromising action,” he said.

The minister pointed out that honour killings were more commonly reported in states such as Rajasthan and Haryana, and rarely in Karnataka. “Karnataka is a progressive and civilised state.

Young men and women who have attained adulthood have the fundamental right to marry anyone of their choice, irrespective of caste or religion. No one has the authority to suppress this right,” he asserted.

Mahadevappa said the incident amounted to a serious violation of fundamental rights. “The government will not spare individuals who support or justify such crimes. Our firm intention is to ensure the harshest possible punishment for the guilty,” he added.

Assuring support to the affected family, the minister said necessary assistance would be extended to the victims. He also stated that discussions would be held with the Chief Minister and the Home Minister on preventive measures to ensure such incidents do not recur in the state.

“We will attempt to introduce a stringent law in the next legislative session to deal with honour killings decisively,” he said. Recalling Dr B R Ambedkar’s views, Mahadevappa said Ambedkar had clearly stated in the Hindu Code Bill that a woman should not be forced into marriage against her will and must be allowed to marry according to her own choice.

The minister further said he had directed the Deputy Commissioner to ensure immediate compensation under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as soon as the incident came to light.

He also warned that if any officials of the Social Welfare Department were found to have been negligent in handling the case, an inquiry would be conducted and strict action would follow.

As part of immediate relief, the Social Welfare Department handed over compensation cheques of ₹2 lakh each to eight affected family members, amounting to a total of ₹16 lakh.

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