Khaps slam govt over laws linked to live-in ties

Jind: Majra khap panchayat, along with Kandela khap panchayat and Punia khap panchayat, criticised both the ruling party and opposition MLAs in the state assembly over laws related to live-in relationships and love marriages, describing them as "anti-social laws". The panchayats said that while the parties claim to oppose each other, they appear united on this issue.Gurvinder Singh Sidhu, president of Majra khap panchayat, and Om Prakash Kandela, head of Kandela khap panchayat, said such laws were disturbing social harmony in villages and increasing hostility among families. They alleged that young people were taking shelter under these legal provisions to enter into marriages or live-in relationships, which often break down after some time, leading to prolonged court cases and legal disputes. They said the government was merely watching, while the opposition was supporting it by remaining silent.
Samundar Singh Phor, spokesperson of Majra khap panchayat, and Jitender Singh Chhatar, spokesperson of Punia khap panchayat, said states such as Gujarat and a few others had enacted their own laws regarding love marriages and live-in relationships, but no such initiative had been taken in their state. They said only khap panchayats were consistently organising meetings on the issue, while political parties and social organisations were either supporting these laws or were afraid to speak against the government.The spokespersons said the Gujarat government had recently introduced a provision making parental consent necessary for love marriages, which they described as partially appropriate, but added that Haryana had a distinct social and cultural structure. The khap panchayats demanded that in cases of love marriage, restrictions related to same gotra, nearby villages (gohand), and the same village should be strictly maintained, and that consent of parents from both sides must be made mandatory. They also said live-in relationships had no place in their culture and demanded that such laws be repealed.Chhatar said the khap panchayats had met the chief minister three times, but apart from assurances, no concrete action had been taken. They urged all MLAs to raise the issue in the Assembly and bring a bill so that it became clear who stood for societal interests. MSID:: 128854164 413 |