Eva Nammava, Eva Nammava Bill tabled; seeks to prevent ‘honour’ killings, caste-based crimes

The Bill notes that caste-based discrimination continues to persist in Karnataka and often manifests in brutal forms of violence, including honour killings, particularly against young adults who exercise their constitutional right to choose their life partners through inter-caste marriages.

The proposed legislation seeks to ensure freedom of choice in marriage, prevent caste-based crimes, safeguard human rights, and promote dignity in inter-caste unions. It also proposes the creation of an Eva Nammava, Eva Nammava Vedike (meaning “he/she is ours”) to solemnise and support inter-caste marriages.

The government decided to introduce the Bill in view of rising incidents of violence and killings linked to inter-caste marriages.

Stringent punishments

The Bill guarantees protection for consenting adults entering into marriage and provides safeguards against family or community coercion. It proposes a minimum punishment of five years’ imprisonment in cases where a person or couple is killed in the name of “honour”.

In cases of injury inflicted in the name of “honour”, the punishment includes a minimum of two years’ imprisonment along with a fine of ₹2 lakh.

Prohibition of unlawful gatherings

The legislation prohibits the assembly of five or more persons with the intention of condemning or opposing a marriage on grounds of caste, tribe, community, tradition, or family objections.

Those found guilty of participating in unlawful assemblies or engaging in criminal intimidation will face up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of ₹2 lakh.

All State government officials will be required and empowered to assist law enforcement agencies in implementing the provisions of the law.

Monitoring and implementation

The government will identify districts, sub-divisions, and villages where such crimes have been reported over the past five years. Each district magistrate will constitute a monitoring committee to oversee implementation, review relief and rehabilitation measures, and track prosecution of cases.

Additionally, an Eva Nammava Vedike will be set up in every district, comprising a retired judge, police officer, revenue officer, sub-registrar, and other members as prescribed.

The government, in consultation with the High Court, will designate certain district courts as special fast-track courts to try cases related to crimes committed in the name of “honour”.

Tax Bill

The Karnataka Tax on Profession, Trades, Callings and Employments (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was also tabled in the Assembly. It aims to simplify compliance, reduce paperwork, and improve ease of doing business.

The Bill proposes that filing of returns may be deemed complete in cases where an enrolled person has paid the due tax for the year. The move is expected to streamline tax administration, improve voluntary compliance, and enable more efficient use of departmental resources.