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.
