Addressing ‘Honour Killings’ in India: Role of Media, social platforms, and film in depicting cases of honour killings in India

Abstract

In our country, honour killings have a long history. During the country's split, countless women were forcibly murdered in order to uphold the honour. Honour crimes are against the Indian Constitution's Articles 14, 15, 19, 21, and 39. Because formal governance has not reached rural areas, there has been an increase in the number of honour killings. As a result, this practice has persisted, and in today's world, it is not only limited to rural areas but is also widespread in major cities like Delhi. A type of violence against women that has its roots in patriarchal ideas of family and communal honour is the practise of "honour killings". In India, choosing to wed outside of one's caste or religion or engaging in a love engagement that isn't acceptable by one's family are common causes of honour killings. In India there is no expressly mentioned provision for freedom of press, however this approach has been developed by the Supreme Court and has associated the same with Free Speech and Expression. Bollywood, the common name for Indian cinema, has the power to put a stop to the horrifying crime known as the "honour killing."Without a question, the Indian media has made efforts to educate the public on a number of occasions through various campaigns, but we cannot ignore the fact that recently, the media has displayed insensitivity when reporting on honour killing incidents in India. The freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed by Art 19 of the Indian Constitution, but that does not give the media or the film industry carte blanche to act however they like. The media portrays examples of honour killing in such a dramatic way that it may draw viewers and lead them to believe that this is a viable option for preserving one's dignity. This article focuses on the role of the media, other social platforms, Indian cinemas and the ability it has to influence public opinion and can be a key factor in putting a stop to honour killings in India. The media may contribute to the development of a more just and equitable society for women by criticizing how honour killings cases are portrayed in the media and by exploring the roots of this violence.