Khaps oppose SC decision against their interference in marriage

The heads of various khap panchayats (community groups) of Uttar Pradesh opposed the Supreme Court ruling on their interference in the marriage of two consenting adults.

In an “unlimited direction” to parents, society and khap panchayats, the Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that interference, harm or insult caused to consenting adults who fall in love and choose to marry is absolutely illegal. The court said the fundamental right of two people who wish to get married to each other and live peacefully is absolute.

Reacting to the SC verdict, Yashpal Choudhary, head of Thamba khap in Baghpat, said that marriage within the same

gotra was not permissible according to Hindu scripture.

“Hindu scriptures like Vedas clearly prohibit marriage within the same

gotra or sagotra . We are a staunch believer of Vedas. There is no doubt that we will protest against the SC verdict which goes against the essentials of Hindu belief,” he told The Hindu .

“ Sagotra weddings are harmful for the society, says the Vedas. Boy and girl living in a village are brothers and sisters as per the Hindu traditions. How can they become husband and wife? The khaps will not allow sagotra weddings at any cost,” he added.

Mr. Choudhary informed that various khaps will organise a ‘mahapanchayat’ to oppose the SC ruling. Rajendra Malik of Malik Khap also expressed his opposition to the Apex Court ruling and said, “The age-old tradition of not marrying within the same

gotra is essential to our way of living. How can we go against it?”