Khaps Say Not Against Love Marriages, but Parents’ Consent is Necessary
Khap Panchayat leaders from various states convened a ‘mahapanchayat’ in Haryana’s Jind, demanding a ban on same-sex marriages and live-in relationships. They threatened mass protests if their demands were not met.
Call to Meet PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi
The meeting saw participation from over 300 khap Panchayats across Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. Leaders announced plans to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi to press for changes to the Hindu Marriage Act.
“We will launch an agitation if our demands are not met,” said Raghubir Nain, Chief of Benain Khap. “A 51-member committee is being constituted for the cause.”
Concerns Over Live-In Relationships and Same-Gotra Marriages
Nain emphasized that khaps are not against love marriages but insist on parents’ consent, highlighting that no parent wishes to harm their children. He also argued against marriages within the same gotra (clan), claiming they wreck the social fabric.
Female khap leader Santosh Dahia added that live-in relationships lead to the breaking of family systems and negatively impact society and children. She noted that women are the worst affected by live-in relationships as men might neglect their families.
“The issue of same-gotra marriage has wrecked the social fabric and created genetic problems,” Dahia said.
Historical Context and Broader Impact
The mahapanchayat in Jind reiterated these points, warning that failure to amend the laws would result in protests. The Khaps also cited scientific evidence against same-gotra marriages and condemned live-in relationships for causing social tensions and family breakups.
Conclusion
As the debate over same-sex marriages, live-in relationships, and same-gotra marriages continues, the Khap Panchayats remain firm in their stance. Their demands and planned meetings with political leaders underscore the ongoing cultural and legal battles within Indian society. The outcome of these efforts could significantly impact the nation’s marriage laws and societal norms.
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