In the recent order by Supreme Court (SC), it is declared that khap panchayats must not interference panchayats to end a marriage between consenting adults is totally illegal. Headed by Chief Justice Dipak Misra, a three-judge bench including Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud passed this order. In fact, it is also ordered that any assembly which is intended to scuttle a marriage of two consenting adults is also illegal. Detailed judgment is still to take.
This bench of judges also laid down measures till legislation is put in place. This case on Khaps about honour killing is started after a petition is given by NGO Shakti Vahini to the centre and state governments for preventing honour crimes.
Few weeks ago, the apex court reprimanded khap for interfering in inter-caste and inter-faith marriages of adults. SC told them that they should not become “self-appointed conscience keepers” when there is a law. It is also said that under the law, when two people marry, no third party could interfere in an individual or collective capacity.
What are Khaps?
Khaps are community organizations in villages. Khaps are not affiliated with the formally elected government bodies. These community many times work as guard of society and announce punishments on the basis of customs and traditions
