T.N. to set up safe houses for vulnerable inter-caste couples, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• The Tamil Nadu government plans to establish a 'safe house' in each district for vulnerable inter-caste couples.
• This initiative aims to provide refuge and protection against "honour" killings and related violence.
• The decision aligns with the Supreme Court's ruling in the Shakti Vahini vs. Union of India case.
• Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu announced the plan in the State Assembly.

Detailed Insights:

• "Honour" killings involve the murder of individuals, often women, by family members who believe the victim has brought dishonour to the family, frequently due to inter-caste or inter-religious relationships.
• The Supreme Court in Shakti Vahini vs. Union of India (2018) mandated state governments and police to establish a comprehensive system to combat "honour" killings.
• This landmark judgment outlined preventive, corrective, and remedial measures, affirming the right to choose a life partner as a fundamental right under Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution.
• The Supreme Court's guidelines also included directives for setting up special cells and safe houses to protect such couples.
• Tamil Nadu had previously established special cells with a 24-hour helpline in 2018 to address such complaints, though their functioning was reportedly inadequate.
• Activists emphasize that these safe houses must be under direct court monitoring and should not be used to coerce couples into ending their marriages.
• Tamil Nadu also implements schemes like the Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy Ammaiyar Ninaivu Intercaste Marriage Assistance Scheme to encourage inter-caste marriages through financial aid and other incentives.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Honour Killing: The murder of an individual, typically a woman, by family members for perceived dishonour brought upon the family, often due to relationships disapproved by the family or community.
• Shakti Vahini vs. Union of India (2018): A pivotal Supreme Court judgment that directed states to implement measures, including safe houses, to protect couples from "honour" killings and uphold their right to choose a partner.
• Inter-caste Marriage: A marriage between individuals belonging to different castes, which is legally valid in India under laws like the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 and the Special Marriage Act, 1954.