Tamil Nadu activists demand honour killing law after death of Dalit youth

The death of 23-year-old Praveen Kumar in Tamil Nadu has sparked renewed calls from activists for specific legislation to combat honour killings. Praveen, a Dalit man from the Kelambakkam area, was attacked with machetes on August 16 following a relationship with a woman from the same community. He succumbed to his injuries on August 21 while receiving treatment at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.

While police have arrested several suspects, including the victim's partner's father, they have reportedly ruled out an honour killing motive, noting the victim and accused belong to the same community. However, organizations such as the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF) dispute this. They argue that the killing was motivated by a love affair and highlight that economic inequality can trigger such violence even within the same caste.

Activists are demanding a separate law to address honour killings, arguing that existing protections under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act may not sufficiently cover these specific crimes. They also called for compensation and protection for the victim's family.