Tamil Nadu Forms Commission to Draft Law Against Honour Killings Under MK Stalin's Leadership

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Chennai:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced on Friday the establishment of a Commission led by retired High Court Judge KM Basha to develop recommendations for a specialized law against "dishonour killings" motivated by caste and community prejudices.

During his address to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Stalin explained that the Commission will conduct a thorough investigation into caste- and honour-related killings, engage with victims' families, consult social activists and legal experts, and formulate recommendations for state legislation aimed at eradicating such practices.

"We cannot tolerate our youth being murdered in the name of caste or family honour. This government will take action rather than remain silent. Tamil Nadu will pioneer special legislation to eliminate dishonour killings," Stalin declared, referencing the state's rich history of social justice advocacy.

The Chief Minister acknowledged that while the Indian Penal Code covers murder and abetment offenses, the unique social dimensions and motivations behind honour killings necessitate a dedicated legal framework that ensures prompt investigation, expedited trials, and severe punishment for perpetrators and accomplices.

Stalin indicated that the Commission's findings will serve as the foundation for Tamil Nadu's specialized legislation designed to eliminate dishonour killings and protect individuals' rights to marry across caste and community boundaries without intimidation.

This initiative follows multiple alleged honour killings in Tamil Nadu, with the most recent being the murder of Kavin, a young Dalit technology professional, reportedly by her girlfriend's brother from a dominant caste. This brutal crime reignited public discourse and demands for stronger legal protections for inter-caste couples.

In his Assembly address, Stalin characterized such killings as violations of the constitutional rights to equality and personal freedom. He reaffirmed Tamil Nadu's commitment to the social justice principles championed by Periyar and Dr BR Ambedkar.

"Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed caste oppression. We must progress toward a society where love and marriage are celebrated, not punished," Stalin emphasized.

He noted that the Commission would also explore preventive measures, including awareness campaigns, community education, and police accountability, to prevent future tragedies.

The announcement comes as the 2026 Assembly elections approach and amid growing concerns that political parties have often failed to take decisive action against perpetrators from dominant communities or castes—significant voting blocs—in cases involving oppression and violence against Dalits.

Against this backdrop, Stalin's initiative is viewed as a strategic balance by the ruling DMK—signaling to Dalit communities that the government supports them while demonstrating readiness to act firmly against perpetrators of caste-based violence regardless of their social position.