Thaindian News

Chandigarh, March 18 (IANS) The Punjab government Friday issued directions and guidelines to district administration and police officials to give couples marrying outside their caste boarding facilities, counselling and security to curb honour killings.

“Fresh directions and guidelines have been sent to the deputy commissioners, magistrates and senior superintendents of police for strict compliance,” a Punjab government spokesman said.

“Security would be extended to such couples till they feel safe,” he added.

The move follows directions from the Punjab and Haryana High Court recently directing the Haryana and Punjab governments to ensure an end to honour killings.

Following the court’s orders, protection centres have been set up in Punjab to afford couples marrying outside their caste boarding and lodging for a period of six weeks.

“Such couples would be given protection after submission of an application in the court of district registrar. The SSP (senior superintendent of police) will ensure adequate security to the couples,” the spokesman added.

As per the fresh guidelines, mediation and counselling cells would be set up in the offices of commissioners and district police chiefs to resolve issues between young couple going for inter-caste marriages.

“False cases should not be registered at the behest of the parents and relatives against such couples who are adults and can take their own independent decisions. However, the police should strictly handle the cases where involved couples were minors,” he added.