The Karnataka Legislative Assembly has officially passed a significant piece of legislation designed to safeguard the rights of consenting adults and provide a legal shield against violence committed in the name of tradition. Formally titled the Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026, the law is popularly referred to as the "Eva Nammava" Bill. The legislation establishes that two adults who choose to marry do not require the consent of parents, family members, or community leaders. It reinforces the constitutional right to autonomy, stating that individual choice is the sole requirement for a valid union. To ensure the safety of couples who may face opposition, the bill mandates that police must provide protection within six hours of receiving a request or complaint regarding threats to their well-being. A key feature of the new law is the mandatory creation of "safety residences" or safe houses ...