Attack on couples by ‘Khap Panchayats’ illegal, says SC

Any collective attack by a khap panchayat on an adult for choosing to marry the person of their choice is absolutely illegal and condemned, the Supreme Court said on Tuesday.

“An adult man and woman are free to marry. No society, no khap panchayat, no parent can impose their will on them,” Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, heading a three-judge Bench, observed.

The apex court said it would not tolerate any manner of collective and regressive conduct by khap panchayat or such group of persons.

The Centre said it supports the dignity of women and agreed with the court that the judiciary should fill the legislative vacuum left by a lack of law against honour killing.

Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand, for the Centre, later told the media that honour killing does amount to murder. 

Amicus curiae and senior advocate Raju Ramachandran referred to a recommendation by the Law Commission for a special penal law recognising honour killing as a crime.

‘An Act is coming’

However, Ms. Anand said an “Act is coming in Parliament.” The Bench asked Ms. Anand to give further suggestions on the proposed guidelines and posted the case to February 5.

The court was hearing a PIL plea filed by NGO Shakti Vahini against honour killing and the role of khap panchayats in it.