In the Name of Honour – Violation of the right to intimate and social associations: A Position Paper
June 18, 2024
PUCL Karnataka is deeply shocked to observe a steep rise in the number of murders and akin violence against people in inter-community relationships. In the last decade, it has been reported that the number of reported murders of people in inter-caste and inter-faith relations, referred to in the media as ‘honour killings’, have doubled. In the years of 2022 and 2023, PUCL-K has noted nearly 5 cases each year.
We release this position paper in remembrance of the monumental Dalit Revolutionary Mahatma Ayyankali. He challenged the caste system in the erstwhile Travancore Kingdom throughout his life. His work in challenging caste norms, exclusion of women and Dalits from religious spaces and ensuring education to all members of society remains an inspiration. He died on 18 June 1941. We are inspired by his emancipatory work to continue to challenge the continuing horror of ‘honour crimes’.