Press Briefing Wednesday, 23rd June 2010

Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan addressed the media today.


Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan, over the honour killings, said that we are deeply concerned over the recent spate of violence and murder in the name of honour killings particularly around the NCR region. There are various levels at which this violence and murder need to be addressed and studied and we believe that the time has come to take a national view in this matter and if the existing criminal law of the land is not sufficient to consider passing of any suitable law. This happens with permutations in different region and just for this reason as we believe that a holistic view should be taken. In any event this violence cannot be condoned by any civilized society and must be put down by a firm hand.

To a question as to what is the Congress stand on honour killings? Smt. Jayanthi Natarajan said that violence and murders for any reasons cannot be condoned and that is our consistent stand and the constitution and criminal law should be upheld at all cost.

To a question as to what action the government has taken against such honour killings? Smt. Natarajan said that the government will decide on the structure of this law that since this honour killing is appearing in various permutations in various regions and this need to be discussed at the national level and if necessary if there are loop holes in the existing law, perhaps it should be studied whether any changes should be made.

To a question that you have Congress Chief Minister in the state where these honour killings that taken place? Smt. Natarajan said that there is absolutely nothing inconsistent and he has already said that he is going to explain his stand of the 25th June, 2010. All Congress Chief Minister like any other Chief Ministers uphold the constitution and will not condone violence and murder.

To a question whether the government will take action on Khap Panchayats that are patronizing these honour killing? Smt. Natarajan said that any murder or any extra constitutional murder and violence have to face the law of the land and face penal consequences.




 

Tom Vadakkan
Secretary, AICC