‘Honour’ killing: Tamil Nadu to set up safe houses in districts to provide shelter to vulnerable, affected couples

The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to establish 'safe houses' in every district of the state to protect individuals and families who may be vulnerable to or have been affected by 'honour' killings or caste killings. This announcement was made in the State Assembly by Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu, who said the decision was in line with a Supreme Court judgment in the Shakti Vahini vs. Union of India case and was influenced by survivors' representations and activist appeals.

Activist Kausalya Shankar hailed the move as "historic", stressing that it would provide necessary support to couples who oppose their parents' wishes for marriage. Another activist, Geeta Ilangovan, emphasized that the shelter homes would be a crucial lifeline for surviving brides whose grooms are murdered in 'honour' killings, offering a sanctuary for them to rebuild their lives and pursue legal justice.

However, critic Evidence Kathir warned that the effective implementation of the safe houses would require strict monitoring, ensuring they are not used for coercing couples into ending their marriages and that they are under direct judicial supervision.