Khap Panchayats in Haryana Condemn State MLAs Over Controversial Laws
In a significant development from Jind, Haryana, three prominent khap panchayats—Majra, Kandela, and Punia—have launched a sharp critique against both ruling and opposition members of the state legislative assembly. They are targeting laws related to live-in relationships and love marriages, which they describe as "anti-social laws" that undermine traditional values and disrupt community peace.
Unified Opposition from Village Councils
The panchayats expressed frustration, noting that while political parties often claim to oppose each other, they appear united in their support or silence on this issue. Gurvinder Singh Sidhu, president of Majra khap panchayat, and Om Prakash Kandela, head of Kandela khap panchayat, highlighted that these laws are causing social discord in rural areas. They argued that young individuals are exploiting legal provisions to enter into marriages or live-in arrangements, which frequently collapse over time, leading to extensive court battles and family conflicts.
"The government is merely a spectator, while the opposition supports it by staying quiet," they stated, emphasizing the lack of action from elected representatives.
Demands for Stricter Regulations and Cultural Preservation
Samundar Singh Phor, spokesperson of Majra khap panchayat, and Jitender Singh Chhatar, spokesperson of Punia khap panchayat, pointed out that states like Gujarat have enacted their own regulations on love marriages, but Haryana has not taken similar steps. They lamented that only khap panchayats are actively organizing meetings to address the matter, while political and social groups either endorse the laws or fear governmental backlash.
The spokespersons acknowledged Gujarat's recent move to require parental consent for love marriages as somewhat appropriate but stressed that Haryana's unique social and cultural fabric necessitates distinct measures. Their key demands include:
- Strict enforcement of restrictions in love marriages, such as prohibitions on same gotra, marriages between individuals from nearby villages (gohand), and within the same village.
- Making parental consent from both sides mandatory for all love marriages.
- Complete repeal of laws permitting live-in relationships, which they assert have no place in their cultural traditions.
Calls for Legislative Action and Accountability
Chhatar revealed that the khap panchayats have met with the chief minister on three occasions, receiving only assurances without concrete outcomes. They are now urging all MLAs to raise the issue in the Assembly and propose a bill to clarify who truly advocates for societal interests. "It's time for our leaders to step up and protect our heritage," he added, underscoring the urgency for legislative intervention to address these concerns and restore harmony in Haryana's villages.
