‘Honour’ killing: Tamil Nadu to set up safe houses in districts to provide shelter to vulnerable, affected couples

The Tamil Nadu government has decided to set up a ‘safe house’ in every district so as to provide security to individuals and families vulnerable to and affected by ‘honour’ killings or caste killings and related violence. Making the announcement in the Assembly on Friday last, Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu said the decision was in line with the judgment of the Supreme Court in the Shakti Vahini vs. Union of India case and followed representations from survivors of ‘honour’ killings and activists.

Welcoming the announcement, activist Kausalya Shankar termed the announcement “historic” and thanked the TVK-led government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, and Mr. Vanni Arasu. “As someone who has been personally affected by ‘honour’ killing, I know how much it will support couples. When a couple goes against the wishes of their parents to get married, they would have nowhere to go. If only we had such a safe house earlier, I would not have lost my husband Shankar,” she said. She also welcomed the announcement that the government would enact legislation against caste killings.

Anti-caste activist and filmmaker Geeta Ilangovan said that, from the perspective of women, this shelter home was an absolute lifeline. “When a groom is murdered in an ‘honour’ killing and the bride survives, she is thrust into a state of utter devastation and helplessness. While a surviving groom in a similar tragedy might eventually find a way to move on, a surviving bride faces a uniquely harrowing reality.” The home would offer more than a roof, she said. “It provides a sanctuary where a grieving bride can find safety, rebuild her livelihood, and fearlessly pursue her legal battle for justice.”

Activist Evidence Kathir, however, pointed out that Tamil Nadu had established special cells with a 24-hour helpline to receive complaints of harassment or threats to couples in inter-caste marriages as early as 2018, but they were not functioning properly. “When the safe house is established, it should be ensured that the space is not used to hold talks with the couples to persuade them to end their marriage. Protection should be given to their lives, and the safe house should be under the direct monitoring of the courts,” Mr. Kathir said.