Khap panchayats is a term given to the union of a few villages in north India. However, similar groups are present and working across the entire country. Presently, these have emerged to be quasi-judicial bodies. These are infamous for pronouncing harsh punishments based on age-old traditions. Also, these mostly border on regressive measures to modern problems. These are also known as caste councils and they oversee the administrative matters of certain rural areas.
Moreover, the nation seems to agree on the formation of khap panchayats back in a time when there was no proper administration. However, khap panchayats have become redundant nowadays. The country has a proper government and a judicial body to manage and take care of these areas.
Khap panchayats and their barbarian acts
The leaders of khap panchayats are self-styled and have been legally sanctioned numerous times for their acts of barbarism. Primarily, khap panchayats strive to keep the caste system alive. Furthermore, their barbaric acts are driven forward by the lack of political will to counter the honour killings.
For the same reason, khap panchayats question the wisdom of the judicial courts and dare to ask for the Hindu Marriage Act amendment. There have been numerous cases where these leaders murdered youngsters for social justice. They should not be allowed to take law into their own hands and prohibit smartphones for girls. T-shirts and Jeans are banned by them since they claim improper clothing is the reason behind increasing rape.
It is quite understandable that khap panchayats are hampering India’s progress.
What must be done?
It is unfortunate that khap panchayats still exist in India after all the barbaric acts. Awareness must be created in the larger society to promote a social understanding and lead to its abolition. Moreover, the government should refrain from giving complete freedom to Khap panchayats on any legal or administrative matters.
Today, we have seen a decline in the number of khap panchayats. As a country, we should come up with the best possible solution. This can be done by ensuring that laws lie with the supreme court and there’s no oppression within the people.