Shivani Gadhavi
Published On: November 28, 2021 at 13: 23 IST
The Supreme Court of India expressed its concerns and dismay about the ongoing caste-based crimes in the country that are still very prevalent. The Supreme Court noted that it’s high time that the civil society reacts in strong disapproval of the ghastly crimes committed.
The Supreme Court Bench of Justices L. Nageswara Rao, Sanjiv Khanna and B.R. Gavai remarked that there are directions issued in the case of Shakti Vahini V Union of India, which laid out rules to take authoritative measures in order to prevent honor killing, and the same is to be followed by State Governments of the country.
The Supreme Court Bench was hearing the case of Hari and Anr V State of Uttar Pradesh on 26th November, 2021 and upheld the High Court order of conviction of the accused with reason being misunderstanding in the recognition of accused’s identity.
The Bench stated, “This Court issued several directions to the administrative authorities and police officials to take strong measures to prevent honor killings. Honor killings pursuant to the decree of Khap Panchayats have been strongly criticized by this Court in Arumugam Servai v. State of Tamil Nadu. Harsh punishment was recommended to those brutal and feudal minded persons who commit atrocities in the name of castes.”
The Supreme Court Bench also mentioned that the 242nd Law Commission Report laid out norms and a legal framework in the Prevention of Interference with the Freedom of Matrimonial Alliances in the name of Honor and Tradition.