Context:
A brutal ‘honour killing’ in Dharwad district, Karnataka, involving the murder of a 19-year-old pregnant woman for entering an inter-caste marriage, has triggered widespread outrage. The editorial highlights the continuing grip of caste hierarchies, failure of institutional safeguards, and the urgent need for stronger legal and social measures to curb honour crimes.
Key Highlights:
Incident Details
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Manya Vivekananda Doddamani, aged 19, was killed on December 21, 2025.
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She belonged to the Lingayat caste and had married a man from the Madiga (Dalit) community.
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The attack was allegedly led by her father, with five accused arrested and 15 others absconding.
Administrative & Police Lapses
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Two police personnel and a Panchayat Development Officer were suspended for dereliction of duty.
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Despite earlier police intervention and relocation for safety, protective mechanisms failed.
Pattern of Honour Crimes
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Similar cases reported in August and February 2025 in Karnataka.
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In January 2025, a Gadag court awarded death penalty in a 2019 inter-caste murder case.
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A PUCL–Karnataka (2024) report documented 13 honour attacks (2022–23) resulting in 12 deaths.
Social & Political Response
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Dalit organisations demand a separate law against honour crimes, proposed to be named after Manya.
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Karnataka recently enacted the Karnataka Protection of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Bill, 2025.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Honour killings arising from inter-caste marriages.
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Causes:
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Deep-rooted caste hierarchy
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Patriarchal control over women’s choices
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Weak enforcement of preventive laws
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Government Measures:
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Supreme Court guidelines (Shakti Vahini case)
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State-level anti–social boycott legislation
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Challenges:
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Absence of a central law on honour crimes
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Social acceptance of caste-based violence in some regions
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Impact:
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Violation of right to life, dignity, and choice
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Undermines constitutional morality
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Key Definitions:
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Honour Killing: Murder to preserve perceived family or caste honour.
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Social Boycott: Collective exclusion as punishment for defying social norms.
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Constitutional Perspective:
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Article 14 – Equality before law
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Article 15 – Prohibition of caste discrimination
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Article 21 – Right to life and personal liberty
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Judicial Stand:
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Supreme Court has termed honour killings as “barbaric and feudal”.
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Governance & Social Justice Angle:
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Failure of preventive policing and witness protection
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Need for accountability of local administration
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Way Forward:
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Enact a specific central law on honour crimes
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Strengthen safe houses and protection mechanisms for inter-caste couples
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Sensitisation of police and local officials
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Community-level social reform and education to dismantle caste prejudice
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 1: Indian Society, Caste and Social Change
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GS 2: Social Justice, Governance, Rule of Law
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Prelims: Honour killing, caste system, social boycott laws