HONOUR CRIMES, CUSTOMARY COURTS AND INDIVIDUAL AUTONOMY: A SOCIO–LEGAL ANALYSIS

Honour crimes represent one of the most entrenched forms of gendered violence in South Asia, especially in India. Rooted in patriarchal notions of family reputation, caste hierarchy, and community control, these crimes continue to challenge the enforcement of constitutional rights and individual autonomy. Simultaneously, the persistence of non-state, customary institutions such as khap panchayats, jati panchayats, and tribal councils complicates the landscape of justice, often sanctioning or legitimising such violence. This article examines the intersection of honour crimes, customary courts, and the constitutional mandate of autonomy, highlighting doctrinal debates, judicial responses, and policy challenges in India.