Supreme Court Dismisses Tamil Nadu Government's Appeal in Honor Killing Case

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed the appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government challenging the High Court’s decision to quash the chargesheet against the parents of Surjit -- an accused in the murder case of Dalit techie C Kavin Selvagenesh in Tirunelveli. The appeal filed by the Tamil Nadu government was dismissed by a bench comprising Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Sri Chandrashekhar. When these petitions came up for hearing on Thursday, the Supreme Court stated, "we are not inclined to entertain these appeals. Accordingly, the petitions are dismissed." The case pertains to the killing of Kavin, a Dalit youth and software engineer based in Chennai, in Tirunelveli on July 27, 2025. It is alleged to be an ‘honor killing’ linked to an inter-caste relationship. Kavin was allegedly murdered by his lover's brother, Surjit, while other family members, including parents, allegedly conspired, instigated, and facilitated the crime due to caste differences. It is alleged that Surjit then attacked Kavin with a machete; when Kavin attempted to flee, Surjit pursued and killed him, as stated by the police and witnesses. Surjit was named as the primary accused and was arrested on the day of the murder. His parents—both of whom are Sub-Inspectors in the Tamil Nadu Police, named Saravanan and Krishnakumari—were investigated on charges including conspiracy and destruction of evidence. A relative of Surjit, Jayapal, was also arrested for his alleged involvement in destroying evidence.