Tamil Nadu to Introduce Dedicated Law Against Honour Killings: M K Stalin

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced in the Assembly that his government will bring forward a new statute to prevent honour killings. He also declared the formation of a panel under retired High Court judge K M Basha, charged with suggesting actionable measures.

Stalin told the House the commission would gather input from political parties, lawyers, social activists and those directly affected. He vowed swift action on its recommendations to pass a law strong enough to deter such crimes. His remarks drew lively support from DMK members, many thumping desks in approval.

He stressed that caste is only one factor in these killings, property disputes, patriarchal control and jealousy also fuel them. “Whatever the motive,” he said, “a killing remains a crime.” He noted that, following recent incidents, police had arrested suspects and invoked the Goondas Act in some cases.

While urging strict enforcement, Stalin also called for a broad awareness drive targeting the mindset of dominance and caste prejudice. He encouraged schools, civil groups and media to work together to break down oppressive norms. “No person is higher or lower than another,” he affirmed. “We must build a society rooted in dignity, affection and fair thinking.”

He invoked Tamil Nadu’s historic resistance to caste oppression, tracing it through the social reform movements of the past.

The announcement comes amid two recent tragedies: a youth slain by his father- in -law near Nilakottai, and a Dalit engineer allegedly killed by his partner’s brother in Tirunelveli. Both stirred public anger and demands for urgent legal reform.

Analysts believe that, if well drafted and enforced, the proposed law may rank among the most significant social statutes in recent decades in a state where caste and honour still dictate many lives. For now, Stalin’s government is signalling that the law will no longer remain passive.