The Centre Government has decided to take a tough call on “honour killings”. Against the backdrop of the increasing case of alleged honour killings, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is reportedly in the favour of capital punishment for the accused in such horrendous crimes. The Delhi Police has pitched in by submitting before the committee that such cases will be investigated by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) level officer and chargesheet will be filed before the concerned court within 15 days.
The draft Prohibition of Interference with the Freedom of Matrimonial Alliances Bill 2012 is most likely to be presented in Parliament in this Winter Session. The Ministry has sought comments from all States and Union Territories on the provisions of the proposed Bill. In its reply to the MHA, the Delhi Government and Delhi Police have stated that a DCP-level officer will be in-charge of investigations and chargesheet will be submitted in 15 days.
Top sources in Delhi police told The Pioneer that the MHA is in favour of capital punishment for those involved in the honour killings. As per recommendations to the MHA, the Delhi Government’s Home Department has stated that progress report in honour killing case will be given to Commissioner of Police on daily basis. All cases of honour killing will be heard by fast track court. The Delhi Government has made it clear that the State Government will abide by the provision of the Central Government Act.
In view of the rising number of incidents where young couples were excommunicated, tortured and killed for marrying within the gotra under orders from the Khap panchayats, the law commission recommended a threshold bar on congregation of people for condemning a marriage on the basis that the marriage has dishonoured caste, community or brought disrepute to the family or community concerned.
Taking a tough call on unlawful assembly, the Bill proposes that no person or any group should gather, assemble or congregate at any time with the view or intention of condemning any marriage, not prohibited by law.
However, the Delhi Government had stated that subject of unlawful assembly stands covered by Section 141 of the Indian Penal Code and Section 506 of the IPC provides for criminal intimidation, there is no need for the proposed law. It further says that necessary amendments to the CrPC should take care of the situation.
The draft Bill also suggested to avoid unnecessary hassles and harassment from external sources directed against the couple who are intending to marry and even their family members who would like to go according to their wishes, it is desirable that the procedure under the special marriage act is simplified.
“There has been a spurt in illegal initimidation by self-appointed bodies for bring pressure against same gotra marriages and inter-caste and inter-community marriages between two consenting adults in the name of vindicating the honour of family, caste or community.
The Bill elaborated that criminal intimidation of the couple or their families would invite imprisonment ranging between one to seven years and a fine of Rs30,000. The Bill also proposes to make all offences cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable.