In a strong advisory to state governments, the Union home ministry also asked them to take special steps to curb honour killings to prevent forced marriage in some northern states.

"Despite several steps being taken by state governments, the picture is still very grim and disappointing. Complaints are still being received regarding non-registration of FIRs and unsympathetic attitude of police personnel towards rape victims and victims of violence," it said.

The advisory listed 21 "urgent actions" to be taken by the state governments to ensure safety of women, including prompt registration of FIRs in all cases of crime against women and apprehending all the accused named in the FIR.

The home ministry note comes in the wake of reports of a man being killed for marrying a girl from the same clan (gotra) in a Haryana village, an act opposed by the village council. The village council, known as Khap panchayat in northern states, had ordered the killing.

"Special steps should also be taken to curb violation of women's rights by so called honour killings, to prevent forced marriage in some northern states, and other forms of violence," the advisory said.