CHENNAI: Human rights organisation ‘Evidence’ has pitched for a standalone law to curb honour killings in Tamil Nadu murders often linked to caste and family honour by submitting a detailed draft bill to the State’s Special Commission for the Prevention of Honour Killings on Wednesday.
In a representation to retired Madras High Court judge K N Basha, chairperson of the commission, Evidence executive director A Kathir (alias Vincent Raj) stressed the need for a stronger legal framework beyond the existing provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. He pointed out that in several cases where both the victim and the accused belong to Backward Class (BC) or Most Backward Class (MBC) communities, offences are not registered as caste crimes, resulting in weak prosecution and acquittals.
According to data submitted by the organisation, 59 persons were murdered in the name of “caste pride” in Tamil Nadu between 2017 and 2025. Since 2014, Evidence has documented 42 such cases, compiling nearly 750 pages of legal records.
The NGO noted that while the Supreme Court, in the Shakti Vahini case (2018), issued guidelines to prevent honour killings, these have not been effectively implemented. “The crimes are not just limited to murder; they include torture, kidnapping, and forced confinement of inter-caste couples,” the representation stated.
Speaking to TNIE, Kathir said, “The commission found the draft and supporting documents useful. The draft not only deals with honour killings but also addresses kangaroo courts, where caste groups issue illegal orders, and practices like blocking bank accounts or using financial pressure to stop couples from continuing their relationships.” He added that the organisation plans to bring victims before the commission in person in the coming days.
Basha told TNIE, “We have received the suggestions from the Evidence organisation. They have given effective inputs towards enacting a law.” He added that the commission is interacting with victims to understand their experiences and the reasons behind such crimes.
The draft, prepared in consultation with legal experts and activists from 12 states, proposes setting up protection centres in every district involving Adi Dravidar Welfare, Social Welfare and police departments to safeguard inter-caste couples. It also seeks to fix accountability on officials who fail to prevent Khap Panchayat-illegal village councils that impose caste rules and interfere in marriages-style diktats.
Citing steps taken in states such as Punjab and Rajasthan, the NGO urged Tamil Nadu to take the lead in enacting a strong, state-specific law. The submission also lists landmark cases, including the Shankar-Kausalya case and the Gokulraj murder, highlighting the continuing reality of such crimes.
Along with the organisation, Nagapattinam MLA Aloor Mohamed Shanavas, Shankar Trust’s founder Kausalya Sankar, social activist Gopi Nainar and senior journalist Ilango Rajasekaran were present.