Welcome step, says Manoj's mother

CHANDIGARH: "Bhagwan ka shukar hai ki aisa kanoon aaya jo bachchon ki zindagi bachayega aur betiyon ko apni pasand ki azaadi hogi (Thank god such a law has come about which will save lives of our children and daughters will be free to have their own choice),'' said 60-year-old Chandarpati, mother of Manoj, a resident of Karora village of Kaithal who, along with his wife, Babli, was murdered in Karnal for marrying against the wishes of the girl's family.
This was her first reaction after TOI told her about the central legislation proposed to curb honour killings.
Chandarpati and her daughter Seema had fought the battle to ensure gallows for the killers of Manoj and Babli who were brutally murdered in a Karnal village in June 2007. Seven persons were arrested and court had ordered death for five in 2010. Later the HC had commuted the death sentence to life term.
Speaking to TOI, Chanderpati and Seema expressed satisfaction over brining the special legislation. But, the duo said more than bringing a legislation the government should have investigating officers of impeccable integrity and take steps to plug loopholes in the system which lead to acquittal of accused.
"The victims and their family face a lot of pressure from own villagers or relatives. The legislation must have such provisions that either the judiciary should rely more on technical evidences or give time bound directions of reinvestigation of the case to punish the real culprit. The cases must not be closed if accused are exonerated of charges after witnesses turn hostile which happens in most of the cases,'' said Seema, Manoj's sister.
"Though IPC has enough provisions to bring such culprits to the book that hasn't helped. But this Central legislation is of course more than welcome," said Seema, who has been inducted in police department after the incident.