1Department of Forensic Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
The phenomenon of honour killing is the outcome of that socio-psychic milieu of typical societies where certain patterns of the behaviour of human beings, particularly the females, are recognised as marking dishonour to their families and communities and the lost honour is reimbursed by killing them.These killings are a form of extreme violence against humanity. Though majority of the victims of this ruthless crime are females but it would be wrong to limit it to only one gender. In India the crime is mainly focused on women. These homicides or rather brutal murders are carried out in order to satisfy patriarchal society's ego. Matriarch are also involved in cases where it is believed that the dishonour bestowed on the family will affect the marriage prospects of other female members of the family.Our honour is very dear to us. In India nothing is more precious than honour, not even the life of a loved member ofthe family.
Patriarchal Society, Khap Panchayats, Caste System, Adultery, Homosexuality
