Tamil Nadu to set up safe houses for couples facing honour-killing threats
Tamil Nadu will establish safe houses in every district to shelter couples threatened by honour killings, aligning with a Supreme Court ruling.
The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to establish safe houses in all districts to provide shelter and protection to couples facing threats from their families or communities, commonly referred to as 'honour' killings.
The announcement was made in the state Assembly by Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu. He stated that the decision aligns with the Supreme Court's judgment in the Shakti Vahini vs. Union of India case, which laid down guidelines for the protection of couples in inter-caste and inter-religious marriages.
The move also follows representations made by survivors of honour killings and activists who have long demanded institutional support for at-risk couples. The safe houses are intended to serve as secure interim accommodation for those whose lives are endangered due to their personal relationships.
While specific details regarding the number of houses, their capacity, or the timeline for establishment were not disclosed in the announcement, the initiative marks a significant step in implementing the Supreme Court's directives at the district level.