HONOUR KILLINGS A BRUTAL LEGACY OF PATRIARCHY AND THE URGENT NEED FOR REFORM

Despite Constitutional guarantees, patriarchal honour killings persist across India, driven by caste, religion and male control over women's autonomy. Families, khap panchayats and lax policing enable murders of women defying tradition. Specific legislation, fast-track courts, safe shelters and community education are urgently needed, nationwide reforms.

- TDG NETWORK

Despite significant strides in modernization, education, and women's rights, India continues to grapple with one of its most regressive and violent social practices — honour killing.

This heinous act, often justified in the name of preserving family reputation and societal norms, is rooted in deep-seated patriarchal values that undermine the individual autonomy and dignity of mostly women, but also men.

The term "honour killing" refers to the murder of a family member, usually a daughter or sister, by relatives who believe that the victim has brought shame or dishonour upon the family.

This "shame" could result from actions such as marrying outside one's caste or religion, rejecting an arranged marriage, engaging in pre-marital relationships, or even dressing in ways deemed inappropriate by conservative standards.

In the 21st century — an age of supposed progress, digital empowerment, and human rights — honour killings are not just a brutal relic of the past; they are an active, growing manifestation of India's societal hypocrisy.

While the Indian Constitution guarantees equality, dignity, and the right to life, the grim reality is that these rights are often trampled under the weight of outdated customs and caste-based orthodoxies.

Honour killings remain prevalent, particularly in rural belts of northern India, but increasingly also in urban areas, raising serious questions about societal complicity, law enforcement apathy, and the failures of legislative reform.

Patriarchy and Control in Indian Society

The foundation of honour killings in India lies in the centuries-old patriarchal structure that defines women's roles in the context of family and community.

In such a system, a woman is seen not as an individual with rights and choices, but as a bearer of family reputation.