On April 9, 2026, Karnataka Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot granted assent to the 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. This law aims to combat honour killings, particularly in inter-caste marriages, following several tragic incidents, including the murder of a 20-year-old Lingayat woman by her father in December 2025 near Hubli. The Act imposes strict penalties for various offences related to caste-based discrimination, including a minimum of five years imprisonment for honour killings and three to five years for intimidation of inter-caste couples. It defines social boycotts and coercive practices against inter-caste couples as punishable offences. The law is part of the Congress government's broader agenda to support backward and downtrodden communities in Karnataka, reflecting a commitment to social reform and the protection of individual rights.