Karnataka has a new law that protects adults who choose their own life partner. It also punishes people who harm, threaten or block such couples in the name of caste, religion, tradition or “family honour”. This article explains the law in simple words, for parents, young people and families.
The law in one line
If two adults want to marry each other, nobody can stop them by force, threats, boycott or pressure. Not family, not caste groups, not anyone.
Basic details
- Name: Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the name of Honour and Tradition (Eva Nammava Eva Nammava) Act, 2026. People call it the “Eva Nammava” law.
- Passed by: Karnataka Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council.
- Governor’s approval: 9 April 2026. Published in the Karnataka Gazette on 10 April 2026 (Karnataka Act No. 26 of 2026).
- When it starts: From the date the State Government announces by notification. Check the latest government notification for the exact start date.
1. Adults can marry the person they choose
- Adults who are otherwise eligible to marry can marry anyone they choose.
- Once two adults agree to marry, consent of parents, family, caste or community is not required.
- Trying to stop them from using this right is an offence under the law.
2. Couples can inform the government in advance (optional)
A couple planning to marry can give a declaration of their age and their wish to marry to the District Magistrate or a Nodal Officer. This can be oral or written. The officer passes it on to the nearest police station. The minimum age for this declaration is 18 for a woman and 21 for a man.
This declaration is not compulsory. It is an extra safety step for couples who fear trouble.
3. What the law treats as a crime
The law lists acts done against a person “in the name of caste, culture, custom, tradition or honour”. Some examples from the law:
- Killing, hurting or physically harming the person
- Locking them up or not letting them move freely
- Taking away their phone or laptop
- Freezing their bank accounts
- Wrongfully denying or interfering with their share in family property
- Forcing them to marry someone else, or forcing them to break their marriage
- Social or economic boycott of the couple or their family, such as stopping services, trade, loans or school admission
4. Caste or community meetings to stop a marriage are banned
A gathering of five or more people to discuss or condemn a marriage on the basis of caste, community or family wishes is not allowed. If the police come to know about such a meeting in advance, the District Magistrate must issue a prohibitory order and protect the people targeted.
5. Punishments
| Offence | Punishment |
|---|---|
| Killing in the name of honour | At least 5 years jail, in addition to punishment under the main criminal law (BNS) |
| Causing grievous (serious) hurt | At least 3 years jail and fine up to ₹3 lakh |
| Causing simple hurt | At least 2 years rigorous jail and fine up to ₹2 lakh |
| Other acts to stop adults from marrying | 2 to 5 years jail and fine up to ₹1 lakh |
| Threatening (criminal intimidation) over a marriage | 3 to 5 years jail and fine up to ₹2 lakh. Up to 7 years for serious threats |
| Taking part in a banned caste or community meeting | 6 months to 5 years jail and fine up to ₹1 lakh |
| Disobeying a court order protecting the couple | Up to 2 years jail, fine up to ₹1 lakh, or both |
| Helping, attempting or planning any of these | Same punishment as the crime itself |
All offences under this law are cognisable and non-bailable. This means the police can register a case and arrest without a court warrant, and bail is not automatic.
6. Protection for couples
- Complaint: Can be given to the police, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate or the District Magistrate.
- Police protection: Must be given within 6 hours of a complaint.
- Court order: A couple can go to a Civil Court for an order stopping interference and directing police protection. In urgent cases the court can give a quick interim order.
- Safe house: Every district headquarters will have a safe house. Couples can stay for one month at first, extendable up to one year, for a small fee.
- Special Cell and 24-hour helpline in every district.
- Fast-track courts: Cases go to special courts. Police should file the charge sheet within 60 days, and the trial should finish within 2 months after that.
7. Officers and villagers must report
Village officers, specified officials and, in some cases, local residents who know about such a crime and do not report it can face up to 2 years jail and a fine. Government servants who wilfully neglect their duty under this law face departmental action.
What this means for parents
Parents can still talk to their adult children, share their views and give advice. Disagreeing is not a crime. What the law punishes is force: violence, threats, locking up, taking away phones or money, boycott, group pressure through caste or community meetings, and wrongfully cutting off property rights because of a marriage choice.
If you are a parent who is worried about your child’s choice, the safest path is calm conversation. Do not use pressure.
Need help?
If you need help with paperwork, such as giving a written declaration to the District Magistrate, filing a complaint, or understanding property and succession documents, WhatsApp me or call 95386 78702. For legal advice on your specific case, please speak to a lawyer.
Source: Karnataka Act No. 26 of 2026, as published in the Karnataka Gazette on 10 April 2026. This article is a simple summary for general information. It is not legal advice.