In India, the term “honour crimes” refers to acts of violence, often involving murder, committed by family or community members who believe that an individual has brought shame or dishonour to the family. Such crimes may arise from reasons such as inter caste marriages, inter religious relationships or defiance of traditional social norms.
Are Honour Crimes Recognized by Law in India?
Although the term “honour crimes” is widely used socially and in the media, there is no separate law specifically addressing them in India. Such offences are prosecuted under existing provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), primarily under Section 302, which deals with murder.
Relevant Legal Provisions for Honour Crimes:
- Section 302 IPC : Punishment for murder (death penalty or life imprisonment)
- Section 120B IPC : Criminal conspiracy
- Sections 107-116 IPC : Abetment of a criminal act
- Sections 34 & 35 IPC : Acts done by several persons with common intention
- Sections 364/365 IPC : Kidnapping or abduction (if applicable)
- SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act : If the victim belongs to a Scheduled Caste or Tribe
- Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 : In cases of familial abuse before the crime
- Article 21 of the Constitution : Right to life, which is violated in such cases
Supreme Court’s Stand on Honour Crimes
Honour crimes have been decisively condemned by the Supreme Court of India in various landmark judgments. In Shakti Vahini vs. Union of India (2018), the apex court directed all states to take preventive measures to protect couples at risk and to prosecute offenders strictly. The court emphasised that “honour crimes are nothing but barbaric and brutal acts of violence” and must be dealt with firmly.
Advocate Rajal Rai Dua’s Expert Insight
At Dua’s & Dua’s Advocates & Consultants, Advocate Rajal Rai Dua, a leading expert in Supreme Court and High Court matters, explains that honour crimes are not only violations of criminal law but also grave infringements of constitutional rights.
“No tradition, custom or social practice can override the individual’s right to life and liberty guaranteed under Article 21. Advocate Rajal Rai Dua emphasizes that the law should impose severe penalties for such offences.
Our legal team provides expert assistance to victims’ families, inter caste/inter faith couples, and individuals facing threats from families or community councils (Khap panchayats). We help clients file writ petitions for protection, register FIRs and pursue justice in both the High Court and Supreme Court.
How We Support Victims Legally
- Filing urgent protection petitions in High Court/Supreme Court
- Legal action against Khap panchayat threats
- Assistance in lodging FIRs and criminal complaints
- Bail oppositions and prosecution of accused family members
- Representing families in murder trials and appeals
Punishment for Honour Crimes in India
- Section 302 IPC: Punishment includes death or life imprisonment, along with a possible fine.
- For conspiracy or abetment: Punishment under Section 120B or Section 109 IPC
- Additional penalties under the SC/ST Act if caste-based discrimination is involved
Legal Awareness Is the First Step
Every citizen must understand that choosing one’s life partner is a fundamental right and no family or community can justify violence in the name of “honour.” If you or someone you know is facing such a threat, seek immediate legal help.
At Dua’s & Dua’s Advocates & Consultants, we believe every individual has the right to live with dignity, free from fear. Under the leadership of Advocate Rajal Rai Dua, we are committed to upholding justice and protecting human rights, especially in sensitive honour crime cases.
Seeking Legal Protection?
Individuals facing intimidation due to inter-community relationships can consult Advocate Rajal Rai Dua, a distinguished Supreme Court lawyer in Delhi renowned for safeguarding constitutional freedoms and individual rights.
Book a Consultation: Safeguarding constitutional rights demands constant vigilance.