Treat honour killings as rarest of rare cases: SC

In a strong message, a Bench of Justices Markandey Katju and Gyan Sudha Mishra said capital punishment was necessary to stamp out the menace of honour killings prevailing in Delhi and neighbouring states.

“Honour killings, for whatever reason, come within the category of rarest of rare cases deserving death punishment. It is time to stamp out these barbaric, feudal practices which are a slur on our nation.

“This is necessary as a deterrent for such outrageous, uncivilised behaviour. All persons who are planning to perpetrate honour killings should know that the gallows await them,” the court said.

In its judgment passed on Monday, the Bench also resented the scenario of young couples taking shelter in protection homes or police lines due to the decision of their panchayats (village courts).

“We would like to state that honour killings have become commonplace in many parts of the country, particularly in Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Often young couples who fall in love have to seek shelter in the police lines or protection homes, to avoid the wrath of kangaroo courts,” Justice Katju said.