Bengaluru, March 13, 2026
In a major step towards safeguarding individual rights and curbing caste-based violence, the Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved the ‘Iva Nammava Iva Nammava’ Bill — formally titled the Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026.
The legislation seeks to prevent acts of violence, including killings, threats, harassment, social and economic boycotts, and other crimes committed in the name of “honour” or tradition, particularly those arising from objections to inter-caste or inter-community marriages. It aims to uphold the constitutional rights to equality, freedom, dignity, and personal autonomy guaranteed under Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21.
The bill draws its popular name from a famous *vachana* (verse) by 12th-century social reformer and Lingayat saint Basaveshwara. The phrase “Iva Nammava, Iva Nammava” (roughly translating to “He/She is ours, He/She is ours”) emphasises inclusivity and rejects discrimination based on caste or community.
Under the proposed law, those responsible for honour killings face a minimum prison term of five years, with scope for stricter punishment under general criminal provisions. The bill also creates institutional safeguards, including district-level “Iva Nammava Vedike” forums comprising a retired judge, police officer, revenue official, and sub-registrar to facilitate inter-caste marriages, provide counselling, and offer protection and rehabilitation to affected couples. It further provides for fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials.
The move comes against the backdrop of rising honour-related crimes in the state. It follows the alleged murder of Manya Patil, a young Lingayat woman in Hubballi, who was killed by family members after marrying a man from a Scheduled Caste community. Officials have cited such incidents as highlighting the inadequacy of existing laws like the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in addressing these specific crimes.
The draft was initially prepared in January 2026 and had been deferred earlier for further consultations. After reworking several provisions, the Congress government cleared it late on Thursday night during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The bill is expected to be introduced in the ongoing Budget session of the state legislature for debate and passage.
Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil had earlier described the proposed law as a measure to protect the right to choose one’s life partner and to send a strong message against honour-based atrocities.
Activists and women’s rights groups have welcomed the development, calling it a progressive step to empower consenting adults and dismantle caste barriers in marriage. The bill is likely to face scrutiny in the Assembly, especially from opposition parties and certain community organisations that had earlier raised concerns over its potential impact on traditional social structures.
Once enacted, the law is expected to serve as a model for other states grappling with similar issues, reinforcing Karnataka’s commitment to social reform and constitutional values rooted in Basaveshwara’s principles of equality.
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