Inter-caste marriage a choice of adults, Khap Panchayats have no business: SC

The Supreme Court has held that an adult boy or girl can get into marriages of their choice and no panchayat, khap, individual, parents or society can question it. A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra said that any attack or social ostracism by Khap panchayats is illegal.

Further, the court said that if the Centre does not step in to ban such panchayats then it would have to step in.

The court reminded the government that this is a matter pending since 2010. Why have you not filed any suggestions as yet, the CJI asked additional solicitor general, Pinky Anand.

The court said that no panchayat or khap can summon an adult boy or girl for a marriage alliance of their choice and punish them. The amicus curiae in the case, Ramachandran said that the law commission had recommended enacting a law to protect couples going in for inter-caste marriages. However, the government has been lethargic in the manner in which it has taken the views of the state governments.

The CJI said that if the government does not enact a law to protect such couples, the court would evolve a principle and lay down guidelines.

OneIndia News