New law soon on honour killing, says Moily

New law soon on honour killing, says Moily

Smitha Nair Smitha Nair , CNN-IBN

Posted on May 11, 2010 at 16:19 | Updated May 11, 2010 at 19:40




New Delhi: Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily appeared a little defensive on khap panchayats, saying the government is against honour killings but is willing to listen to their demands. Moily said in an exclusive interview to CNN-IBN that the government recognises personal laws and would look into their demands. But he also warned of strict action against any honour killing.

"Each one has got his own opinion. We recognise personal laws in this country. I can definitely look at it, if someone petitions me from the khaps. But that doesn't justify honour killings," Moily said.

The UPA government will back khaps on social welfare programmes, provided they don't get involved in killing. The government will bring a new law on honour killings, Moily said.




"The bill is now with the Home ministry. Five clauses will be added to Section 300. Indian Evidence Act will be amended to shift burden of proof to the accused and we will amend the Special Marriage Act to take away the 30 days notice period to get married," added Moily.

The statement came a day after Congress spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said his party is against Khaps that violate the law.

"Congress' stand is no custom law or practice can be excused in any matter if it violates the law of the land or involves killing of any kind. But this is democracy. Any person or MP can keep their view. This is not a stand of the Congress party," Shinghvi had said earlier.

Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda also said that khaps won't be allowed to take the law in their hands.

"Khap panchayat is not a legal body. We will support them if they work for social welfare of the people. But nobody can take law into their own hands," he said.