‘Provide safety to couples facing threat’

‘Provide safety to couples facing threat’

Context:

• The Centre suggested that couples facing a threat to their lives from relatives or community Panchayats like khap should have a provision to inform the officer who is registering their marriage.

Why is it in news?

• The Centre acknowledged that ‘honour killing’ is neither separately defined nor classified as an offence under the prevailing laws but it is treated as murder.
• Thus, by the above mentioned provision, the official can intimate the police to provide them with protection from ‘honour killing’.

Way ahead:

• State governments should include a declaration by the couple who intend to have a court marriage if they apprehend a threat to their life and liberty.
• The proposed law against honour killing, the Prohibition of Interference with Freedom of Matrimonial Alliance Bill, is still under circulation among the States.