Honour Killing Conviction Deals Blow to Kangaroo Courts in Haryana

Strategic Insights -

A Haryana court dealt a significant blow to the kangaroo courts in the state by convicting seven persons in a case of honour killing. The six individuals found guilty of murdering Manoj and Babli were Babli's brother Suresh, cousins Gurdev and Satish, uncles Baru Ram and Rajender, and an influential villager, Ganga Raj. One person, Mandeep, a driver, was convicted for kidnapping the couple before their murder. The court will pronounce the quantum of sentence on March 29.

The couple, Manoj (23) and Babli (19), were killed in June 2007 as they had married against the wishes of her family. The caste panchayat asked them to dissolve the marriage as people from the same gotra (sub-caste) are considered siblings. The panchayat also ostracised Manoj's family. Fearing for their lives, the couple moved court for protection and was provided security by the sessions judge in Kaithal.

The case highlights the deep-rooted social evil of honour killing in Haryana, which is still prevalent despite laws in place. The case also raises questions about the complicity of the village panchayat and the police in the murder. The court's decision is a significant step towards upholding the rule of law and bringing those responsible for the heinous crime to justice.

Key Takeaways:

  • Seven persons were convicted in a case of honour killing in Haryana, including Babli's brother Suresh, cousins Gurdev and Satish, uncles Baru Ram and Rajender, and an influential villager, Ganga Raj.
  • One person, Mandeep, a driver, was convicted for kidnapping the couple before their murder.
  • The caste panchayat asked Manoj and Babli to dissolve their marriage as people from the same gotra (sub-caste) are considered siblings.
  • The panchayat also ostracised Manoj's family, leading the couple to move court for protection.
  • A Haryana Police head constable, Jayendra, was found to be in constant touch with Babli's maternal uncle Gurdev and was terminated from service.
  • One of the convicts, Ganga Raj, a Congress leader, was arrested a year after the incident and was even felicitated by the caste panchayat for killing the couple.
  • Manoj's mother, Chandrapati, said it was very difficult to fight against the criminals, supported by the villagers.
  • Manoj's sister, Seema, said the convicts should be handed capital punishment and that the case highlights the deep-rooted social evil of honour killing in Haryana.

Statistics:

  • The couple, Manoj and Babli, were killed in June 2007.
  • The caste panchayat asked them to dissolve their marriage as people from the same gotra (sub-caste) are considered siblings.
  • 6 people were found guilty of murdering Manoj and Babli.
  • 1 person was convicted for kidnapping the couple before their murder.
  • The Haryana Police head constable, Jayendra, was terminated from service.
  • The caste panchayat had extended protection to Ganga Raj, one of the convicts, and even felicitated him for killing the couple.

Sources:

  • India Today Group, 2009. (No specific date mentioned)
  • Syndigate.info, an Albawaba.com company (No specific date mentioned)