The Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill 2026 has been passed by both Houses of the Karnataka legislature.
| Photo Credit: AFP/Representative image
Social activists and journalists from Shivamogga, who placed the demand for a strict law to stop honour killings, have thanked the State government for tabling the Bill and getting it passed in both Houses of the legislature with the support of all other parties.
The Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill 2026 has been passed by both Houses of the Karnataka legislature. The Bill has been named Iva Nammava, with reference to a vachana by Basavanna, a social reformer of the 12th century.
Ravikumar N., a journalist based in Shivamogga, during a press conference in Shivamogga on Wednesday, said that, like many people in the State, he was also disturbed following the murder of a pregnant woman allegedly by her father at Inam Veerapura in Hubbali in December 2025. The accused allegedly murdered her daughter for marrying a Dalit. “I initiated a debate on social media platforms and moved the idea of a law to stop such killings. Many people, representatives of various organisations, women’s groups, journalists and others responded positively,” he said.
Later, he met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in Bengaluru and submitted a memorandum, along with a detailed report on the honour killings reported in the State in recent years. “The Chief Minister took the matter seriously. The members of the cabinet, who were initially of the opinion that the existing laws were enough to handle such crimes. However, we met some of them and convinced them of the necessity for a law specific to honour killing. That resulted in framing the law,” said Mr. Ravikumar.
Under the existing laws, Ravikumar noted that honour killing could be classified as standard murders. He highlighted the necessity of addressing these crimes distinctly, as they reflect the deep-rooted caste hierarchy in society. He stated, “A separate law promotes awareness and serves as a warning.”
Journalists Deshadri Hosamane and Ranjith were present at the press conference.
Published – March 25, 2026 07:39 pm IST
