Ashish Limaye (TOI Photo) The eighth edition of the Times of India Sports Awards will be held on March 21, 2026, in Lucknow, celebrating the achievements of India’s finest athletes across multiple disciplines. The awards recognise performances delivered between January 1 and December 31, 2025, honouring standout displays at global championships and major international competitions….
File photo (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: The situation along the country’s northern borders remains stable, yet sensitive, the defence ministry said on Wednesday, and asserted that the deployment of the Indian Army in all sectors along the Line of Actual Control is “robust, well poised” and prepared to deal with any “emerging contingency”.Also, bilateral…
![Aanchal Mamimdwar seated before a photograph of Saksham Tate The visuals are surreal — and deeply unsettling. Men, some struggling to hold back tears, carry a body wrapped in white cloth into a dimly lit room. Moments later, a young woman steps forward, devastated. Through choking sobs, she performs rituals usually reserved for a wedding ceremony, symbolically “marrying” the lifeless body.This is the story of Saksham Tate and Aanchal Mamidwar, a young inter-caste couple from Nanded, Maharashtra — he a Scheduled Caste (SC) youth, she from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. The accused are Aanchal’s own family members, who she says had long opposed their relationship.A formal police probe is under way, but the allegations reflect a continuing and uncomfortable reality: caste-based murders, euphemistically called “honour killings,” still occur with alarming regularity across India.The murderSaksham and Aanchal had been together for three years. On November 27, Saksham was attacked by a group of six men — including Aanchal’s father and two brothers — and died on the spot.All six have been arrested; two others are still absconding. The accused face charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including murder.But crucially, they cannot be charged with “honour killing” — because Indian law does not recognise the category.This raises a fundamental question: why is there still no specific law against honour killings? And why do such crimes persist even today?What is ‘honour killing’?In July 2009, then home minister P. Chidambaram described honour crimes in Parliament as violence — usually murder — committed by family members who believe a relative has brought “dishonour” to the family. Since honour killing is not separately defined under Indian law, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) records it under the broader category of murder. “Honour crimes are acts of violence, usually murder, mostly committed by family members predominantly against female relatives, who are perceived to have brought dishonour upon the family. These are rooted in antiquated traditions and social values. Since ‘honour killing’ is not a crime classified separately under the Indian laws, no data is collected separately regarding this crime by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the same is covered under ‘murder.’"P ChidamabarmIn many cases, both partners are targeted. In others — as in Nanded — the man becomes the primary victim.The term gained prominence in the 2000s, especially in Haryana, where Khap Panchayat diktats were frequently linked to such crimes. As media penetration grew, cases from other states also came to light.The Manoj–Babli case that changed the conversationIn 2007, newlyweds Manoj and Babli were murdered by her relatives on a Khap’s orders. In 2010, five perpetrators were sentenced to death — the first death sentence in an honour killing case in India. The high court later commuted four of these to life terms. Manoj-Babli case timelineWhere honour killings occur — and where they don’tAlthough widely associated with Haryana, NCRB data from 2017–2022 shows a different picture:Jharkhand recorded the highest number, with 66 of 221 cases.Honour crimes in India in 2017 (data source: NCRB)Honour crimes in India in 2021Honour crimes in India from 2017-2022 (data source: NCRB)Haryana reported 14 cases, though activists say many more go unreportedEven allowing for underreporting, the data challenges common assumptions about where honour crimes are concentrated.Why cases remain hiddenDr Mayura Sabne, assistant professor of law at Gandhinagar’s Karnavati University, told The Times of India: “The police cannot intervene unless a complaint is filed. Victims often fear community retaliation. When family members are the accused, cases stay private. Many women do not report because they end up facing harassment themselves.”Dr Mayura SabneChidambaram, in his 2009 speech, also spoke about the “privacy” surrounding such killings, noting that motives remain concealed within families. "It is difficult to identify or classify an honour killing as such in any given community, since the reasons for these killings often remain a closely guarded private family matter."P ChidambaramIn the Nanded case, two policemen are now under inquiry after Aanchal alleged they had “instigated” her brother to attack Saksham — raising questions about local police conduct.What the law currently providesRajasthan is the only state with a dedicated law against honour-based violence — the Rajasthan Prohibition of Interference with the Freedom of Matrimonial Alliances Act, 2019. Rajasthan Act, 2019Elsewhere, honour killings are prosecuted under general BNS (formerly IPC) sections on:Murder / culpable homicideAttempt to murderAbetmentCriminal conspiracyIn caste-based cases, the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is often invoked.Government response and Supreme Court directivesChidambaram’s 2009 address listed several steps: sensitising police and judiciary, enforcing existing laws, setting up women’s cells, exclusive police stations, counselling, and training officers in gender and atrocity laws.Acting on the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment in Shakti Vahini vs Union of India, the Centre asked states to:Identify districts with past honour killingsMonitor inter-caste and inter-religious marriagesAct against illegal Khap gatheringsProvide safe houses for couplesFast-track trials, ideally within six monthsWhy no national law?Dr Sabne explains: “The crime is already covered under other sections. But social customs often override legal norms. When society doesn’t recognise something as a crime, the state struggles to legislate it.”Dr Mayura SabneShe compares this to mob lynching and triple talaq — both became explicitly illegal only after sustained public pressure and documentation of harm. “Honour is abstract. The law deals in certainties. That’s where the gap lies.”Dr Mayura SabneWhy honour killings persistDespite rapid urbanisation, cases continue across Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand. Sabne attributes this to deeply embedded patriarchy: Women are expected not to marry outside caste or religion. Society still tries to govern adult relationships. This controlling nature drives many crimes."Dr Mayura SabneRecent cases of suspected honour killing in MaharashtraAugust 26, 2025 (Nanded): Man allegedly kills daughter, her lover; dumps their bodies in a wellApril 26, 2025 (Jalgaon): A retired CRPF sub-inspector allegedly shoots and kills his daughter; son-in-law seriously injuredFebruary 8, 2025 (Pune): Man found dead with stab wounds; family alleges he was under pressure from in-laws to divorceJanuary 6, 2025 (Jalna): Minor pushed off cliff allegedly by her cousin; family disapproved of her relationshipJuly 14, 2024 (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar): Man killed in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar; wife blames her father, cousinThe way forwardThe Nanded case is a stark reminder of the legal and social vacuum that allows honour-based violence to thrive. While BNS provisions can prosecute murder, they do not capture the motive of perceived dishonour, nor the targeted nature of such killings.Beyond legal reform, the challenge is societal: confronting caste prejudice, gender control, and family-driven violence.As Sabne notes, digital documentation under the new BNS framework may improve evidence collection. But lasting change will require a deeper social shift — one that recognises the right of young people to choose whom they love, without fear of being punished for itAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Did Mexico Follow Trump’s Footsteps To Slap Tariff on India? Impact on Indian TradersKharge Hits Back As JP Nadda Slams Nehru, Congress Over Vande Mataram In Rajya SabhaSouth Asian Bloc Minus India? Why Pak’s Fresh Regional Pitch Fails On Economics, Politics, Geography‘Hands Were Trembling’: Rahul Gandhi Takes Sharp Dig At Amit Shah Over Ls AddressTrump’s Million Gold Card Explained: What America’s Costliest Visa Means For Indian ApplicantsUS Clears 6 Million F-16 Upgrade For Pakistan, Sparking Major Strategic Ripples Across South AsiaGoa Club Owners Saurabh & Gaurav Luthra Arrested in Phuket After Deadly Fire‘Damaging India, Hurting America’: Jayapal Flags Tariff Crisis Hitting Both NationsAmid Flight Meltdown, IndiGo Chairman Denies Claims of Rule Manipulation and Crisis EngineeringIndia-US Relations Face Hurdle As US Engages Pakistan Military, Says Dhruva Jaishankar123Photostories10 quick Korean phrases you can learn before you land in KoreaAre Khalid Al Ameri and Sunainaa Yella getting married? Inside the love story Instagram tried to soft-launch8 types of comforting Chaats to enjoy during winterPriyanka Chopra to Katrina Kaif: Decoding bridal jewellery of Bollywood actresses that belongs in your wedding vanityDhurandhar, Mission Majnu, Raazi; Gripping spy movies that expose and destroy deadly terror plots5 aggressive pet fish that aren’t for beginnersHow IGI Airport Is Using AI and Upgraded Runways to Beat Winter Fog9 heart-healthy foods with the highest amount of Omega 3 fatty acids8 everyday popular foreign brands Indians often assume are IndianBaby boy names inspired by Lord Vishnu123Hot PicksUS Pakistan DealTrump Gold CardSpiceJet FlightGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingSherrone MooreIsaiah RiderStephen CurryAdrian MorejonLebron JamesOlivia DunneTroy AikmanBengaluru CrimePaige Shiver Net WorthGabrielle Union](https://vknewstoday.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/1765463714_photo-600x400.jpg "Aanchal Mamimdwar seated before a photograph of Saksham Tate The visuals are surreal — and deeply unsettling. Men, some struggling to hold back tears, carry a body wrapped in white cloth into a dimly lit room. Moments later, a young woman steps forward, devastated. Through choking sobs, she performs rituals usually reserved for a wedding ceremony, symbolically “marrying” the lifeless body.This is the story of Saksham Tate and Aanchal Mamidwar, a young inter-caste couple from Nanded, Maharashtra — he a Scheduled Caste (SC) youth, she from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. The accused are Aanchal’s own family members, who she says had long opposed their relationship.A formal police probe is under way, but the allegations reflect a continuing and uncomfortable reality: caste-based murders, euphemistically called “honour killings,” still occur with alarming regularity across India.The murderSaksham and Aanchal had been together for three years. On November 27, Saksham was attacked by a group of six men — including Aanchal’s father and two brothers — and died on the spot.All six have been arrested; two others are still absconding. The accused face charges under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including murder.But crucially, they cannot be charged with “honour killing” — because Indian law does not recognise the category.This raises a fundamental question: why is there still no specific law against honour killings? And why do such crimes persist even today?What is ‘honour killing’?In July 2009, then home minister P. Chidambaram described honour crimes in Parliament as violence — usually murder — committed by family members who believe a relative has brought “dishonour” to the family. Since honour killing is not separately defined under Indian law, the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) records it under the broader category of murder. “Honour crimes are acts of violence, usually murder, mostly committed by family members predominantly against female relatives, who are perceived to have brought dishonour upon the family. These are rooted in antiquated traditions and social values. Since ‘honour killing’ is not a crime classified separately under the Indian laws, no data is collected separately regarding this crime by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and the same is covered under ‘murder.’"P ChidamabarmIn many cases, both partners are targeted. In others — as in Nanded — the man becomes the primary victim.The term gained prominence in the 2000s, especially in Haryana, where Khap Panchayat diktats were frequently linked to such crimes. As media penetration grew, cases from other states also came to light.The Manoj–Babli case that changed the conversationIn 2007, newlyweds Manoj and Babli were murdered by her relatives on a Khap’s orders. In 2010, five perpetrators were sentenced to death — the first death sentence in an honour killing case in India. The high court later commuted four of these to life terms. Manoj-Babli case timelineWhere honour killings occur — and where they don’tAlthough widely associated with Haryana, NCRB data from 2017–2022 shows a different picture:Jharkhand recorded the highest number, with 66 of 221 cases.Honour crimes in India in 2017 (data source: NCRB)Honour crimes in India in 2021Honour crimes in India from 2017-2022 (data source: NCRB)Haryana reported 14 cases, though activists say many more go unreportedEven allowing for underreporting, the data challenges common assumptions about where honour crimes are concentrated.Why cases remain hiddenDr Mayura Sabne, assistant professor of law at Gandhinagar’s Karnavati University, told The Times of India: “The police cannot intervene unless a complaint is filed. Victims often fear community retaliation. When family members are the accused, cases stay private. Many women do not report because they end up facing harassment themselves.”Dr Mayura SabneChidambaram, in his 2009 speech, also spoke about the “privacy” surrounding such killings, noting that motives remain concealed within families. "It is difficult to identify or classify an honour killing as such in any given community, since the reasons for these killings often remain a closely guarded private family matter."P ChidambaramIn the Nanded case, two policemen are now under inquiry after Aanchal alleged they had “instigated” her brother to attack Saksham — raising questions about local police conduct.What the law currently providesRajasthan is the only state with a dedicated law against honour-based violence — the Rajasthan Prohibition of Interference with the Freedom of Matrimonial Alliances Act, 2019. Rajasthan Act, 2019Elsewhere, honour killings are prosecuted under general BNS (formerly IPC) sections on:Murder / culpable homicideAttempt to murderAbetmentCriminal conspiracyIn caste-based cases, the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is often invoked.Government response and Supreme Court directivesChidambaram’s 2009 address listed several steps: sensitising police and judiciary, enforcing existing laws, setting up women’s cells, exclusive police stations, counselling, and training officers in gender and atrocity laws.Acting on the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment in Shakti Vahini vs Union of India, the Centre asked states to:Identify districts with past honour killingsMonitor inter-caste and inter-religious marriagesAct against illegal Khap gatheringsProvide safe houses for couplesFast-track trials, ideally within six monthsWhy no national law?Dr Sabne explains: “The crime is already covered under other sections. But social customs often override legal norms. When society doesn’t recognise something as a crime, the state struggles to legislate it.”Dr Mayura SabneShe compares this to mob lynching and triple talaq — both became explicitly illegal only after sustained public pressure and documentation of harm. “Honour is abstract. The law deals in certainties. That’s where the gap lies.”Dr Mayura SabneWhy honour killings persistDespite rapid urbanisation, cases continue across Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Jharkhand. Sabne attributes this to deeply embedded patriarchy: Women are expected not to marry outside caste or religion. Society still tries to govern adult relationships. This controlling nature drives many crimes."Dr Mayura SabneRecent cases of suspected honour killing in MaharashtraAugust 26, 2025 (Nanded): Man allegedly kills daughter, her lover; dumps their bodies in a wellApril 26, 2025 (Jalgaon): A retired CRPF sub-inspector allegedly shoots and kills his daughter; son-in-law seriously injuredFebruary 8, 2025 (Pune): Man found dead with stab wounds; family alleges he was under pressure from in-laws to divorceJanuary 6, 2025 (Jalna): Minor pushed off cliff allegedly by her cousin; family disapproved of her relationshipJuly 14, 2024 (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar): Man killed in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar; wife blames her father, cousinThe way forwardThe Nanded case is a stark reminder of the legal and social vacuum that allows honour-based violence to thrive. While BNS provisions can prosecute murder, they do not capture the motive of perceived dishonour, nor the targeted nature of such killings.Beyond legal reform, the challenge is societal: confronting caste prejudice, gender control, and family-driven violence.As Sabne notes, digital documentation under the new BNS framework may improve evidence collection. But lasting change will require a deeper social shift — one that recognises the right of young people to choose whom they love, without fear of being punished for itAbout the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosExplained: Did Mexico Follow Trump’s Footsteps To Slap Tariff on India? Impact on Indian TradersKharge Hits Back As JP Nadda Slams Nehru, Congress Over Vande Mataram In Rajya SabhaSouth Asian Bloc Minus India? Why Pak’s Fresh Regional Pitch Fails On Economics, Politics, Geography‘Hands Were Trembling’: Rahul Gandhi Takes Sharp Dig At Amit Shah Over Ls AddressTrump’s Million Gold Card Explained: What America’s Costliest Visa Means For Indian ApplicantsUS Clears 6 Million F-16 Upgrade For Pakistan, Sparking Major Strategic Ripples Across South AsiaGoa Club Owners Saurabh & Gaurav Luthra Arrested in Phuket After Deadly Fire‘Damaging India, Hurting America’: Jayapal Flags Tariff Crisis Hitting Both NationsAmid Flight Meltdown, IndiGo Chairman Denies Claims of Rule Manipulation and Crisis EngineeringIndia-US Relations Face Hurdle As US Engages Pakistan Military, Says Dhruva Jaishankar123Photostories10 quick Korean phrases you can learn before you land in KoreaAre Khalid Al Ameri and Sunainaa Yella getting married? Inside the love story Instagram tried to soft-launch8 types of comforting Chaats to enjoy during winterPriyanka Chopra to Katrina Kaif: Decoding bridal jewellery of Bollywood actresses that belongs in your wedding vanityDhurandhar, Mission Majnu, Raazi; Gripping spy movies that expose and destroy deadly terror plots5 aggressive pet fish that aren’t for beginnersHow IGI Airport Is Using AI and Upgraded Runways to Beat Winter Fog9 heart-healthy foods with the highest amount of Omega 3 fatty acids8 everyday popular foreign brands Indians often assume are IndianBaby boy names inspired by Lord Vishnu123Hot PicksUS Pakistan DealTrump Gold CardSpiceJet FlightGold rate todaySilver rate todayPublic Holidays NovemberBank Holidays NovemberTop TrendingSherrone MooreIsaiah RiderStephen CurryAdrian MorejonLebron JamesOlivia DunneTroy AikmanBengaluru CrimePaige Shiver Net WorthGabrielle Union")
Aanchal Mamimdwar seated before a photograph of Saksham Tate The visuals are surreal — and deeply unsettling. Men, some struggling to hold back tears, carry a body wrapped in white cloth into a dimly lit room. Moments later, a young woman steps forward, devastated. Through choking sobs, she performs rituals usually reserved for a wedding…
As 48-year-old Claudio Manuel Neves-Valente, a Portuguese national, was identified as the shooter of the Brown University, who after gunning down two students in the university, went to kill MIT professor Nuno FG Loureiro, the manhunt ended but several questions remain unanswered as the motive of the killer is not clear. Neves-Valente was found dead…
(Image via Getty: Joe Burrow and Fernando Mendoza) On December 30, MLFootball shared a thought-provoking NFL trade rumor on X. They wrote, “THIS COULD BE INTERESTING…The Cincinnati #Bengals could end up with Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza as their franchise quarterback. The New York #Jets have five first-round picks in the next 2 years. If…
Some discoveries arrive quietly, without fireworks or clean endings. Astronomers were watching a distant flare from a galaxy far away, the kind that appears when a star wanders too close to something it should not. The data looked strange, not wrong, just unsettled. Signals rose and fell when they normally stay steady. Over time, a…
Arjun Kapoor recently delivered a powerful and deeply personal address at the FICCI Young Leaders Summit in Mumbai, speaking candidly about his struggles with obesity, the emotional aftermath of losing his mother, and how therapy helped him rebuild his sense of self.During his talk, the actor emphasised the importance of mental health conversations and urged…
The corporate world is shifting from ‘quiet quitting’ to ‘job hugging,’ with employees now clinging to their roles amidst economic uncertainty and AI integration. This trend, particularly among younger generations, highlights a desire for stability over constant change. Leaders must foster growth and engagement to prevent stagnation, transforming this cautious approach into a lasting partnership….
Sea ice melts on the Franklin Starait (AP file photo) Scientists have tested an idea that could help reduce the melting of Arctic sea ice, and the initial results are promising. The method involves spraying of seawater onto existing sea ice in winter and letting it freeze into a new layer.The on-site experiment took place…
David Lammy unveils reforms to reduce youth jail terms and protect vulnerable children in the UK UK Justice Secretary David Lammy announced his plans to ensure a 25 per cent reduction in the number of children kept in custody prior to their trials before the end of this parliamentary period. The ministry of justice also…
The incident took place on June 5 when Manish Gupta, a grocery market broker-turned-businessman, allegedly saw his wife Niharika Gupta speaking to her boyfriend on the phone. KANPUR: A woman in Kanpur allegedly stabbed her husband to death following an argument over her relationship with another man, with her family claiming that the man on…
Farah Khan and her cook Dilip are one of the most loved social media dous. The unmatched bond seasoned with their non-stop banter is known to keep their audience engaged and entertained. A small dose of their banter was recently captured by the paparazzi, where Farah Khan compared Dilip’s smile to that of a serial…
The Pentagon has ordered about 2,000 soldiers from the US Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to begin moving to the Middle East, offering President Donald Trump additional military options as he considers a new diplomatic initiative with Iran, two Defence Department officials said Tuesday.The troops are part of the division’s “Immediate Response Force,” a brigade of…
For eight-year-old Emi Valo, riding a bicycle is about more than fresh air and fun. It is a chance to give something back.Just a few years ago, Emi was spending her days in hospital undergoing treatment for leukaemia. Today, cancer-free and full of energy, she is helping to raise thousands of dollars for paediatric cancer…
Renault India recently revealed the new 2026 Renault Duster SUV in the Indian market. The SUV is making a comeback after it was discontinued back in 2022, and it was originally introduced in 2012. The Duster was a pioneer that reshaped India’s compact SUV segment, laying the foundation for what would become one of the…
Imad Wasim, Gautam Gambhir, and Suryakumar Yadav Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim praised India’s performance after their T20 World Cup 2026 triumph, saying the team proved its dominance despite criticism about pitches or alleged advantages. India successfully defended their title by defeating New Zealand by 96 runs in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in…
The RBI’s revised NBFC rules have effectively blocked Tata Sons’ bid to exit regulatory oversight by expanding the definition of public funds and tightening overseas investment norms, leaving a mandatory public listing as its most likely option. MUMBAI: An update to RBI’s master directions as of July 1, 2026 has tightened rules for non-banking financial…
It is a fact that India’s luxury real estate landscape is booming like anything. Today, people with money are investing in farmhouses which have quietly become the ultimate status symbol. You’ll find reports of cricketers owning farmhouses. Source link
NEW DELHI: Sudden deaths are no longer confined to old age. An AIIMS study has found that more than half of all sudden deaths examined over a year occurred in people under 45 — many of them apparently healthy, who collapsed without warning at home or while travelling.Published this month in Indian Journal of Medical…
Bhutan follows a regulated tourism system, and entry rules differ slightly for travellers from neighbouring countries. According to information published on Bhutan’s official tourism portal, here is what visitors from India, Bangladesh and the Maldives need to know before planning their trip. For more details and clarity, visit their offical page. Entry requirements for Indian…
