Fearing ‘honour killing’, woman drags kin to court

An Ahmedabadbased woman has been provided police protection after she moved the Gujarat high court fearing her “honour killing” by her father and husband who are allegedly against her profession as a yoga trainer.

Rashesha Desai, 35, is the daughter of retired IPS officer VV Rabari, who allegedly did not approve of her leaving her husband to pursue her passion for yoga. Desai has a yoga studio in Thaltej area of the city.

Killing for protecting a family’s “honour” are common in many states of India and are mostly committed by family members over romantic liaisons or for marrying against set societal norms.

Activists have been seeking separate laws to deal with honour killings. They say the crime is under-reported and many such incidents are covered up.

In her petition to the HC, Desai said her husband Keyur Desai and father may “eliminate” her as they are against her wish to live as an independent woman and rather want her to live a life by following “traditional values”.

Desai, in her petition filed through lawyer Sikandar Saiyed, said she has been seeking divorce for two years.

She has alleged that her father, who retired as additional director general of police, had forced her to drop her career plan and go back to her husband.

Desai said she said the right to live on her own terms as she is “capable of earning bread and support myself and nobody should interfere”. The HC, apart from ordering security cover for her, has instructed police to look into the matter.

Courts in Gujarat, a BJPruled state, had last year too provided police protection to several couples who had sought security fearing fatal attacks by their families for allegedly bringing “dishonour”.