The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has passed key bills, including one to curb honour killings and another to preserve and digitise ancient manuscripts, aiming to strengthen social justice and cultural heritage protection.
Bill to Curb Honour Killings
The Assembly cleared the Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026 (also called Eva Nammava Bill).
Seeks to prevent honour-based crimes linked to inter-caste/interfaith marriages
Upholds the right of adults to choose their partners freely
Provides strict punishment (minimum imprisonment for such crimes)
Covers not just killings but also violence, intimidation, and social boycott
The Bill is based on constitutional rights such as:
Article 14 (Equality)
Article 19 (Freedom)
Article 21 (Right to Life & Liberty)
Bill for Manuscript Preservation & Digitisation
The Assembly also passed the Karnataka Jnana Bhandar Manuscripts and Digitisation Bill.
Proposes setting up a dedicated authority for manuscripts
Aims to digitise ~5 lakh pages annually
Focus on preserving ancient knowledge, culture, and heritage
Significance of the Bills
Strengthens protection of individual rights and social equality
Addresses rising cases of honour-based violence
Promotes digital preservation of India’s cultural heritage
Enhances good governance and record management
Additional Facts:
Honour Killing:
→ Killing of individuals by family/community for marrying against social norms
Supreme Court Stand:
→ In Shakti Vahini vs Union of India (2018), honour killings were declared illegal and punishable
Basavanna (12th century):
→ Social reformer promoting equality and anti-caste ideology (inspiration behind “Eva Nammava”)
Manuscript Preservation in India:
→ National Mission for Manuscripts (2003) under Ministry of Culture
Cultural Importance:
→ India has one of the largest collections of ancient manuscripts (over 5 million estimated)
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