M A I N   N E W S

HC: Public commitment can eradicate honour killings
Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 15
In India, at least 1,000 women are believed to be killed annually in the name of honour. Taking a serious view of the menace, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has called for attention to the issue and expressed hope that the practice would be “stamped out” like ‘sati’ with state and society’s intervention.

Expressing concern over the matter, Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice S.D. Anand of the High Court ruled: “We are of the view that the problem of honour killing needs attention of all concerned. The issued is linked to gender equality and women empowerment, which is one of the goals included in the millennium development goals of the international conference of 199 countries in the year 2000,” the Judges observed, while pronouncing the orders on appeal filed by accused in Jassi murder case.

The Judges added: “It is well known that ‘sati’ practice has been virtually stamped out on account of efforts at the government as well as societal-level. We hope that the issue of honour killing as well will receive the attention of all concerned”.

The Judges added the practice of honour killing was prevalent in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana. Quoting Oxfam, a group of non-governmental organisations from three continents working worldwide to fight poverty and injustice, the Judges further added it was estimated every six hours somewhere in India a young married woman was burnt alive, beaten to death or driven to commit suicide.

In a judgement that reflects the humane aspect of law, the Judges also took note of the recommendations stating that “The states must ensure victims of all honour killing, and everyone who has been threatened by honour killing, receives immediate and complete assistance, as well as post-traumatic psychological and social support. All such assistance should be of confidential nature and free of charge”.

The Judges also noted that it was important to build up structures for prevention and damage control. “Most urgently, this means establishing shelter for girls and women who are at the risk of honour killing. The shelters should be of both temporary character and offering solution on a long term basis”. 

Jassi Murder
Life term for 4 upheld
Saurabh Malik
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, February 15
Nearly eight years after Canada-settled Jaswinder Kaur, alias Jassi’s “honour killing” for marrying a taxi-driver against her family wishes, sent shock waves across the country, the Punjab and Haryana High Court today upheld the life sentence awarded to four accused, while acquitting three others in the matter.

Jassi’s mother Mukhtiar Kaur and maternal uncle Surjit Singh have already been declared proclaimed offenders in the case and could not be tried by the court of law.

Pronouncing the orders on a bunch of appeals this morning, a Division Bench, comprising Justice Adarsh Kumar Goel and Justice S.D. Anand, ruled: After considering all submissions and perusing the record, we are of the view that the prosecution case stands fully established against Darshan Singh, Anil Kumar, Ashwani Kumar and Joginder Singh.

Giving benefit of doubt to accused Hardev Singh, Gurwinder Singh and Gursharan Singh, the Bench ordered their acquittal in the matter.

The development is significant as the foreign media has already covered the issue of honour killing with focus on Jassi’s case. After being the subject of no less than three documentary flicks, a film, “Murder Unveiled”, was also directed on the love-tragedy by veteran filmmaker Vic Sarin. It was screened at the Chandigarh Press Club on May 31, 2006.