Killing In The Name Of Honour And Culture: Unveiling The Shadows

Tushar Sharma, Christ (Deemed to be University), Delhi NCR

ABSTRACT

The caste system in India has a deeply embedded connection with the institution of marriage. Traditional customs have long endorsed marriages within the same caste, viewing them as a crucial for maintain caste purity, social hierarchy and communal identity. However, this adherence to the customs has led to significant societal issues, notably in the form of honour killing. Honour killing arises from the entrenched cultural norms, customs, and patriarchal attitudes that prioritize family honour above individual freedoms. Sometimes, these acts are triggered by the situations such as inter- caste or inter-religious relationships, disobedience to parental wishes regarding marriage, elopement of couples, or engaging in the behaviour considered immoral by the societal norms. These violent acts represent the grave violation of human rights and depriving individuals of their fundamental rights to life, liberty, and equality. Through a thorough examination of the occurrence, patterns, and underlying causes of honour killing, the aim of this study is to inform the development of the effective strategies, interventions, and policies to combat this issue. By safeguarding individual rights and promoting gender equality, the research seeks to contribute to the creation of an inclusive and just society in India.

Keywords: Honour Killing, India, caste system, cultural norms, patriarchal attitudes, human rights violations, occurrence, trends, underlying causes.