Digital India under Focus: The Role of 'Honor' and Power in Radhika's Tragic Death | Patralekha Chatterjee, Dev 360
In modern India, the concept of honor continues to exert a significant influence on the lives of women, particularly those who choose to live independently or make decisions that challenge traditional family expectations. This is evident in the tragic case of Radhika Yadav, a 25-year-old tennis player-turned-coach, who was brutally murdered by her father in Gurgaon on July 10, 2025.
Radhika's success was celebrated when she won, but she was condemned when she chose to be her own person in real life and on social media. Her father, Deepak Yadav, a real estate agent with rental income, felt humiliated due to comments about his financial dependence on his daughter and was reportedly angered by her tennis coaching and social media posts.
The Gurgaon police have called this case an "open and shut" one and are working on a chargesheet based on strong forensic and testimonial evidence. Deepak Yadav has been remanded to 14 days' judicial custody. However, this is not an isolated incident but part of a continuum of honor killings in India.
Despite constitutional guarantees of individual freedom and legal provisions under the Indian Penal Code, honor killings continue to persist, often supported by informal social structures. For instance, in northern states like Haryana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, such practices are more common, with reasons ranging from refusing an arranged marriage to becoming a victim of rape.
Women who live independently often face pressure from their families and society. They may be viewed as less honorable if they choose non-traditional lifestyles, leading to potential ostracization or even violence. In extreme cases, women who are perceived as bringing dishonor to their families may face honor killings.
Moreover, women living independently may also face violence and discrimination. They might encounter societal disapproval, or they may be targets of gender-based violence, including domestic violence and harassment. While India has laws aimed at protecting women from violence and promoting gender equality, such as the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, the implementation of these laws can vary widely across different regions. This inconsistency often leaves women vulnerable to societal pressures and familial expectations tied to honor.
However, contemporary India is also seeing a push towards women's empowerment and changing cultural norms. Celebrations like Raksha Bandhan, which honor real-life heroes, can symbolize a broader movement towards recognizing and supporting women in their choices. Khap panchayats, unelected village councils that have a history of issuing extra-legal diktats that restrict women's autonomy in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, are increasingly being challenged.
The conflict between tradition and modernity is present in India's urban living rooms as well as village lanes. For instance, Manohar Lal Khattar, a former chief minister, referred to Radhika Yadav's murder as a "domestic matter" and suggested that older generations had more morals and values. However, his statements were met with widespread criticism.
In conclusion, the contemporary understanding of honor in India continues to influence the lives of women who choose to live independently. While there are strong societal pressures and risks, there are also efforts towards women's empowerment and legal protections. The impact of these factors varies widely across different regions and communities, highlighting the complexity of addressing honor-related violence and promoting gender equality in India.
- Radhika Yadav, a tennis player-turned-coach, faced criticism on social media as well as in real life for her independent choices, which included her coaching and her presence on social media.
- In India, women who live independently often face societal pressure and potential ostracization or violence if they choose non-traditional lifestyles.
- Honor killings in India, such as the case of Radhika Yadav, are not isolated incidents but part of a broader continuum of violence against women.
- despite constitutional guarantees of individual freedom and legal provisions under the Indian Penal Code, honor killings continue to persist in various regions, including northern states like Haryana, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh.
