ALL the claims of progress and modernisation that
Haryana may make are negated at one go when
shocking news of caste panchayats punishing those
who marry out of caste emanate from the state.
And the unthinkable happens a little too often,
mainly in the Jatland. Leave alone targeting a
boy or girl marrying out of caste, these khap
panchayats can also turn their ire on those who
marry in a “gotra” which these self-styled
keepers of public morality consider incompatible.
Right now, they are targeting a resident of
Jevali village of Badhra constituency in Bhiwani
district over one such marriage. Two years ago, a
couple from Rohtak was asked by a similar khap
panchayat to remarry, despite having a child. The
Punjab and Haryana High Court has come down
heavily on those issuing such “fatwas” but the
practice continues regardless. The fault lies
with the district administration because it does
not enforce the clear-cut orders effectively. The
result is that the khap panchayats and maha
panchayats behave like extra-constitutional
authorities merrily issuing diktats. The relief
provided by the courts is not sufficient to
protect the harried couples.

There are two reasons for this unacceptable
situation. One, the lower constabulary is itself
steeped in age-old traditions and tends to show
sympathy towards the aggressors. Two, the khap
panchayats enjoy considerable political clout and
leaders are willing to take them head-on.
Whatever the reasons, the long rope given to them
has led to ruination of many couples. The farce
has continued for far too long and it is
necessary to call a halt to it forthwith. Those
who do not enforce the court orders suitably
should be considered as much guilty as those who
issue irrational orders in an unauthorised manner.

The problem is not confined to Haryana alone.
Similar incidents take place in various other
states like Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan,
Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu too. The menace has to
be fought seriously, and urgently. There is bound
to be resistance. So be it. Once the perpetrators
of the illegality know that the government means
business, they will have no option but to fall in
line. That is how “sati” custom was weeded out
under the British. That is how the present
government has to combat this social evil.