Moily says stricter law against honour killing

KOLKATA - Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily has said the Centre was coming up with a stricter provision in the law to stop honour killings.

Speaking to the media persons on the sidelines of a seminar here on Sunday, Moily said: “The government is planning to amend the Special Marriage Act and relevant laws to curb the menace of honour killings, which have seen a spurt in recent months.”

“We propose to introduce a fifth clause for the Section 300, which is the murder clause. We are also amending the Indian Evidence Act to put the onus on all the persons who have taken the decision to perpetrate an honour killing,” he added.

He said under the new law, members of khap panchayat, who order the killing of the couples will be treated as accomplices in the crime.

“The aspect of taking the law into one’s hands amounted to a violation of the Indian Penal Code and was strictly punishable by law,” he added.

Earlier, the Supreme Court has sought the response of the central government and eight states including Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand on the honour killing issue.

The apex court has directed the authorities to explain the measures being taken to prevent such heinous crime. (ANI)