After months of inaction, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu, under pressure from its allies — the CPI, CPI(M), and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) — has finally agreed to consider legislation targeting caste-based hate crimes and so-called ‘honour’ killings.

Inter-caste couples, especially those involving a Scheduled Caste (SC), often face deadly backlash in Tamil Nadu, where caste pride has fuelled numerous killings. The most sensational case recently was the killing of Kavin Selvaganesh, a young software professional, by the brother of the girl he loved. Kavin belonged to a SC community, while the girl was from a dominant Hindu community.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had earlier argued that a separate law to deal with such crimes was not necessary, as existing laws were adequate.

See Full Page