The Centre is planning stringent amendments to existing laws to check the menace of “honour killings”, and treat it at par with murder.
Section 300 of the Indian Penal Code might be amended to include a new clause defining “dishonour”.
Also, to rein in “khap panchayats” and their illegal diktats, the home ministry wants the law modified so that any person acting at the behest of caste, clan or community panchayats on the premise that the victim has brought “dishonour” to the family or society, would face a charge of murder in case the victim dies.
These changes have been placed before the Union Cabinet for its approval.
The changes will provide legal protection to women who develop sexual relations or adopt a dress code unacceptable to the community.
The definition of “dishonour” will include adopting a “dress code” unacceptable to the caste, clan or community.
It will also cover those engaging in certain kinds of sexual relations disapproved of by caste, clan or community panchayats. The Centre proposes to insert a new section, 105-A, in the Indian Evidence Act 1852, putting the onus of proving their innocence on those accused of “social policing”.
The home ministry also proposes to waive the existing 30-day notice period for registration of marriages mandated under Section 5 of the Special Marriage Act 1954.
This will make marriage registrations faster and simpler, and ensure couples are not legally separated in the notice period.
The government might bring the Indian Penal Code and Certain Other Laws (Amendment) Bill 2010 in the Monsoon Session.