Explain steps to implement SC order on preventing honour killings: HC to TN govt

The Madras High Court Tuesday directed the Tamil Nadu government to explain within 10 days the steps taken to implement a Supreme Court order that dealt with measures to prevent honour killings.

The court was acting on its own, based on various media reports of honour killings in Tamil Nadu.

A division bench, comprising justices S Manikumar and Subramonium Prasad referred to an apex court order of July 23, 2018 in which it had issued directions to states to take preventive steps, remedial measures and punitive action in respect of honour killings.

It noted that the Supreme Court had observed in that judgement that steps have to be taken within six weeks by the respondent states and reports of compliance filed within that period before the court registry.

The bench referred to recent reports published in English and Tamil dailies on honour killings in the state and also the Supreme Court order and noted that the judgement had been rendered as early as on July 23 last year.

"Though the apex court directed state governments to submit reports of compliance within six weeks and disposed of the writ petition, we are of the view that it is the duty of the high court to ensure enforcement of orders of the Supreme Court and in that context, we deem it fit to take up suo motu PIL."