Overview
- Introduced in the Legislative Assembly on March 18, the bill is set for discussion before a vote and is not yet law.
- It classifies all offences as cognisable and non-bailable and broadens ‘honour’ crimes to include coercion, harassment, social and economic boycotts, and ritual humiliation.
- The draft prescribes minimum prison terms, including at least five years for killings in the name of ‘honour’, with additional penalties for grievous and simple hurt.
- Protection measures include 24-hour helplines, district safe houses, and a state duty to provide shelter and security for threatened adults and witnesses.
- Implementation features include district ‘Eva Nammava Vedike’ bodies with judicial and administrative members, nodal officers for safety declarations, and the option to designate special fast-track courts.