TVK ally VCK to push for separate law against honour killings in Tamil Nadu

Honour killings have remained a major social issue in Tamil Nadu, with social activists and political organisations repeatedly demanding stronger legal measures to tackle such crimes.

In Short

• Vanni Arasu says the party and government share the same position
• He recalls first raising the demand in his maiden Assembly speech
• Previously, DMK government constituted panel on honour killing issue

The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) will raise the demand for a separate law to curb honour killings during the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly session, Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu said.

Arasu said both the VCK and the Tamil Nadu government led by TVK chief Vijay support bringing dedicated legislation against caste-based honour killings, adding that all necessary steps would be taken to prevent such crimes.

"It is the stand of the VCK and also the Tamil Nadu government to bring a separate law against honour killings. We will take all steps to stop honour killings," Arasu said.

Recalling his earlier remarks in the Assembly, the minister said he had demanded a separate law against caste-based honour killings during his first speech in the House and would raise the issue again.

"I will emphasise once again on this, and a good decision will be taken soon," he added.

The statement comes days after a 19-year-old man and his alleged 16-year-old girlfriend were found hanging in a thatched shed in Tamil Nadu's Mayiladuthurai district. The man's relatives alleged that the couple were killed by the girl's family over a matter of family honour.

Honour killings have remained a major social issue in Tamil Nadu, with social activists and political organisations repeatedly demanding stronger legal measures to tackle such crimes.

In October last year, then Chief Minister MK Stalin announced the formation of a commission headed by retired Madras High Court judge KN Basha to recommend measures to prevent honour killings.

"A full stop must be brought to honour killings and all such injustices," Stalin had said while announcing the commission.

The demand for a separate law gained further momentum after anti-caste activists submitted data before the KN Basha Commission earlier this year, which showed 53 alleged honour killing incidents in Tamil Nadu between 2017 and 2025.

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