New Delhi: Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder
Singh Hooda today disfavoured framing of any special provision
to deal with the cases of dishonour killing, saying that the
existing law is sufficient enough to handle such matters.
"Murder is murder, whoever commits (it) with whatever
motive. It's not a question of (involvement of) a panchayat or
an individual. Law is already there (to deal with such
cases). Efforts should be made to get them punished (under the
existing law)," he told reporters here.
Hooda was replying to a question whether there should be
a special provision to deal with the cases of dishonour
killings.
"Section 120-B of IPC can be invoked to deal with those
involved in planning or conspiring a murder. They will be
equally liable to the punishment as provided for those
committing murder. No body can take law in his hand," he said.
Arrangements should be made to ensure a speedy trial of
such cases through fast track courts, he added.
When asked about the steps taken by his government to
curb instances of 'honour' killing in his state, Hooda said,
"seven persons were convicted (in a case) in Haryana. Five of
these seven convicts were sentenced to death."
He said as a custom, marriage in the same gotra (sub
caste) is not allowed in several communities in North India
including his state, adding "but no panchayat has got legal
sanctity to deliver death penalty."
Expressing his views on the raging issue before a Group
of Ministers headed by Finance Minister Pranab Mukhrjee on
August 25, the Haryana CM described 'honour' killing as a
"social evil" but said Khap Panchayats had no role to play in
these incidents.
According to media reports, as many as 900 incidents of
'honour' killings take place in three states alone? Punjab,
Haryana and Uttar Pradesh - every year.
PTI
First Published: Tuesday, August 31, 2010, 18:19