Madras HC: Caste Killing is Outrage

The Madras High Court has unequivocally declared caste killing an "outrage against humanity" and the "most dishonorable act." Justice K Murali Shankar emphasized that personal freedoms should not be subjugated by archaic social customs. The judge's remarks came during the dismissal of a bail plea filed by K Saravanan, a suspended sub-inspector. His son is the primary suspect in the July 27 murder of C Kavin Selva Ganesh, a techie from the Scheduled Caste community who was in a relationship with Surjith's sister.

Saravanan, along with his son and a relative, was arrested in connection with the murder. Although Saravanan claimed to be on duty elsewhere, a crime branch investigation refuted his alibi, placing him at the scene. The court stressed that "honor killings" fueled by family or societal opposition to inter-caste relationships result in extreme violence. Such acts are deemed "draconian" by higher courts.

Justice Shankar underscored that granting bail in such grave offenses requires a careful balance between individual liberty, justice, and societal order. The continued prevalence of caste killings, despite constitutional protections for personal liberty and freedom of marriage, was noted as a serious societal problem.