Karnataka assembly clears honour crime bill, manuscript preservation law

The Karnataka Assembly on Monday passed two bills, including the Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026, with the government stating that both measures aim at social reform and preservation of heritage.

Moving the marriage-related Bill, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H K Patil said it was intended to address social issues such as honour crimes and reinforce constitutional values in society.

The Bill provides for legal safeguards, remedies, and institutional mechanisms for prevention, redressal, and rehabilitation.

According to its provisions, without prejudice to punishment under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, anyone who causes death through any means, or commits any act resulting in the death of a couple or either of them or any person in the name of ‘honour’, will face a minimum imprisonment of five years.

The Bill has been named ‘Eva Nammava’ (he is one among us), after the Vachana by 12th-century social reformer Basavanna. It comes in the backdrop of the alleged killing of a young pregnant woman in her early twenties near Hubballi by her family in December over an inter-caste marriage.

For causing grievous hurt to a couple or either of them in the name of honour, the punishment will be imprisonment of not less than three years along with a fine that may extend to Rs three lakh.

For causing simple hurt, the punishment will be rigorous imprisonment of not less than three years, which may extend to two years, along with a fine that may extend to Rs two lakh.

“This is a Bill aimed at bringing social change and, in a way, enabling a social revolution,” the Minister said.

He said values of equality and inclusivity have long been articulated in Indian philosophical traditions but have not translated into practice.

“We have accepted these as social values, but they have not truly entered our lives-they have remained only as subjects of speeches,” he said, adding that there is a need to give such values legal backing.

Referring to violence in the name of marriage, he said, “In matters of marriage, especially where freedom is involved, we have seen many instances of violence in society,” and added that the Bill would provide legal strength to protect couples and promote social harmony.

Leader of Opposition R Ashoka said, “The intention is good. But when a law is made, the government must consider facts.”

He referred to recurring incidents of honour killings, particularly in parts of the Old Mysuru region, and sought clarity on the need for a new law.

Responding, the Minister said the government had deliberated extensively and ensured that the law would complement existing provisions.

During the discussion, BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar sought clarification on provisions relating to couples’ declarations, asking whether it implied support for live-in relationships.

The Minister said, “This enactment will not support the concept of living together. Let me make it clear. It is intended to strengthen the institution of marriage.”

He added that the Bill is not limited to murder.

“It is not limited to murder. Many incidents of social boycott, harassment, and exclusion occur but are not reported,” he said, adding that provisions include preventive measures, protection, civil remedies, and support mechanisms for couples.

The Assembly later passed the Bill.

The House also passed the Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Bill, 2026, with the Minister highlighting the need to preserve ancient manuscripts across the state.

Explaining the intent, Patil said there are numerous manuscripts in the state that are with private individuals, institutions, or in unknown locations.

“These manuscripts must be protected by the government. We must preserve this repository of knowledge,” he said, noting that they cover subjects such as religion, medicine, science, and history.

He said many manuscripts are preserved in homes but remain unused.

“They are preserved with devotion, but in many houses they are neither opened nor read,” he said, warning that failure to preserve them could result in permanent loss of knowledge.

Citing past efforts, he said the Bill would institutionalise preservation through a dedicated authority and defined targets.

“We have set clear targets-for instance, digitising at least five lakh pages annually and conducting surveys to collect manuscripts.”

BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar supported the Bill but called for documenting traditional knowledge systems.

“This is a very good and necessary Bill. However, there are traditional knowledge systems like those of the Soliga community. Such knowledge may be lost over time,” he said.

The Assembly subsequently passed the Bill.

(With inputs from PTI)