The judgement of the Supreme Court sentencing Vikas and Vishal Yadav, killers of Nitish Katara, to 25 years imprisonment without remission is a strong message to those indulging in criminal activity in the name of family honour. The Apex Court confirmed the High Court order which overrode the 14-year life imprisonment term to deliver a firm
blow to criminals. In doing so, the apex court upheld the discretion of the high court to award a fixed term of imprisonment without the possibility of remission after 14 years. Vikas and Vishal kidnapped Nitish from a wedding ceremony in 2002, murdered him and burnt his body because he was having an affair with Vikas’ sister, daughter of UP politician D P Yadav.
The court also slammed the practice of khap panchayats passing
orders against a boy and girl marrying as per their choice.
“Neither the family nor the members of the collective have any
right to assault the boy chosen by the girl.” Khap panchayats
have sway in rural areas of North India and it is on their authority
that murders are committed. The murder of Nitish Katara
was brutal and committed to avenge honour of a Yadav
girl. It has rightly been punished with a harsh sentence.
