Indian Journal of Socio Legal Studies . ISSN 2320-8562 .(Special Issue )2014 Honour Killings; Violation of Human Rights of Women * Baij Nath Abstract All human being are born free and equal in dignity and rights. There are certain groups of beings which either by nature or because of deep rooted customs are weak and vulnerable, such as women, child, disabled persons etc .. Women being human beings do possess human rights and fundamental freedoms including freedom to marry a person of her own choice. But she may be killed by her parents if she marries a person of her choice outside her caste or religion in the name of honour. A woman can be targeted by her family for a variety of reasons, including: refusing to enter into an arranged marriage, being the victim of a sexual assault, seeking a divorce or committing adultery. The mere perception that a woman has behaved in a way that "dishonours" her family is sufficient to trigger an attack on her life. Honour killings have taken place in one form or another perhaps in all countries. These crimes against humanity are not specific to one religion nor are they limited to any one region of the world. Various countries provide Laws for the prohibition of honour killings. The Indian Penal code provides punishment for rape, molestation, harassment, dowry death, etc. but no such provision for punishment for honour killings. Special laws have also been made to provide protection from many offences but no special law on honour killings which is the need of the hour. In-spite of various provisions in international conventions, constitution of India and other legislations the state has failed to provide protection to women from honour killings. In order to curb the menace of honour killings political empowerment of women is necessary. Introduction Human beings are rational beings. They by virtue of their being human possess certain and inalienable rights which are commonly known as human rights, being the birth rights ,are, therefore, inherent in all individuals irrespective of their caste, creed, religion, sex and nationality. There are certain groups of human beings which either by nature or because of deep rooted customs is weak and vulnerable, such as women, child, disabled persons etc. Women being human beings do possess human rights and fundamental freedoms including freedom to marry a person of her choice then why should she be killed if she marries a person of her choice outside their caste or religion? All human being are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of persons." No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment." All are equal before the law. Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a