Karnataka Assembly Introduces Bill to Combat Caste-Based Violence and Support Inter-Caste Marriages

The Karnataka Assembly has introduced a significant bill aimed at combating caste-based discrimination and protecting inter-caste couples. This legislation proposes stringent penalties for honour-related crimes and establishes district-level bodies to support inter-caste marriages. With a focus on ensuring freedom of choice in marriage, the bill seeks to address the growing concerns over caste violence and social ostracism. It emphasizes the right of individuals to make autonomous decisions regarding their relationships, drawing inspiration from the teachings of the 12th-century reformer Basavanna. The proposed measures aim to create a safer environment for couples choosing to marry outside their caste.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 19, 2026, 14:16 IST

New Legislation Aims to Protect Inter-Caste Couples

On Wednesday, the Karnataka Assembly presented a new bill aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination and safeguarding inter-caste couples, amidst rising concerns regarding caste-related violence and social ostracism.

The proposed legislation, titled the 2026 Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, stipulates a minimum prison sentence of five years for individuals found guilty of committing murder in the name of 'honour'.

Those inflicting serious injuries could face a minimum of three years in prison, along with fines reaching up to Rs 3 lakh, while causing minor injuries may result in at least two years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs 2 lakh, as outlined in the draft.

All offenses categorized under this bill are cognizable and non-bailable.

The legislation's objectives include ensuring the freedom to choose a partner, preventing caste-related crimes, protecting human rights, enhancing the dignity of inter-caste marriages, and establishing 'Eva Nammava Vedikes', district-level bodies designed to facilitate and support inter-caste unions.

Each Eva Nammava Vedike will consist of a retired judge, a police officer, a revenue officer, and a sub-registrar, according to reports.

In collaboration with the High Court, the government may also designate specific district courts as special fast-track courts to expedite cases under this proposed law.

The draft legislation permits couples to formally declare their relationship to designated nodal officers, either verbally or in writing, after which law enforcement is mandated to provide protection.

The bill acknowledges that while offenses like murder and assault are punishable under existing laws, they do not sufficiently address severe forms of violence associated with maintaining 'caste honour'.

Such violence may include symbolic death rituals for living individuals, denial of rightful inheritance, social ostracism, and covert attempts to harm couples.

According to the bill, every individual has the right to make autonomous life choices, including their marital decisions, and family consent is deemed unnecessary once two adults agree to marry.

Dubbed 'Eva Nammava', which translates to 'he/she is ours', the bill draws inspiration from the teachings of the 12th-century social reformer Basavanna.