Overview
- Karnataka’s legislature passed the Eva Nammava Bill in March 2026 during the Budget session, and the measure now waits for the Governor’s assent.
- The law declares that once two adults agree to marry, consent from parents, family, caste or clan is not required.
- Honour-related offences become cognizable and non-bailable, with at least five years in prison for killings and penalties for intimidation, social boycotts and unlawful gatherings.
- Couples who face threats get police protection within six hours, safe houses in every district, legal aid, 24-hour helplines and fast-track courts through a new district body called Eva Nammava Vedike.
- The push followed the December 21, 2025 killing of 19-year-old Manya Patil and five-year data of 15 hate crimes, while analysts warn that enforcement and the still-active 2022 anti-conversion law could complicate outcomes.