2. What is Khap ???
System of social administration.
Cluster of villages united by caste and geography.
Started by upper caste jats to consolidate their
power and position.
The main rule is that all boys and girls within a
khap are considered siblings.
3. Continued
It governs the khap formed by same gotra (clan)
families from several neighbouring villages.
Prevalent in Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and in
parts of Rajasthan.
Khap panchyat imposes its writ through social
boycotts and fines and in most cases end up either
killing or forcing the victims to commit suicide.
4. Continued
Two people belonging to the same gotra or two people
belonging to a different gotra but falling under the
jurisdiction of the same Khap panchayat cannot get
married. Such a marriage is considered incestuous.
This is because members of the clan share the same
patrilineal descent.
They have emerged as quasi-judicial bodies that
pronounce harsh punishments based on age-old customs.
5. Duties of Khap
To bring them at par in matters of
opportunities, jobs, education and economic
growth with the urban areas.
It brings people of the same caste together who
decide to reside peacefully.
6. History of Khap
The existence and role of the Khap panchayats was
first recognised during the Mughal period in clearer
terms.
Akbar granted freedom to the Khaps in matters of
religion and internal administration.
9. Traditional Approach
They provided a secured living for people of the
same clan and upliftment of the society.
They were expected to ensure a high level of
justice, fair play and efficiency, in the absence of
which the panchayats could not command respect
from the villagers.
10. Continued
Whenever, there is a dispute, the panchayat is
asked to settle it.
The decision which is considered best under the
prevailing circumstances is rendered. This decision
is binding on both the parties.
11. Position of women
Women are not allowed to be representatives
even when crimes are committed against
women.
They are considered inferior to men, next
only to untouchables and scheduled castes in
traditional Khap panchayats
13. Modern Approach
Rights of individual is not respected.
Rights of liberty, dignity, freedom to choose own
life partner are jeopardised.
Women are abused and their issues are never
addressed.
Most of the Khap rules are against law.
14. Continued
Khap panchayats have failed to take measures for
social upliftment.
Lack of adequate representation of women at the
decision making level.
Khap panchayat had issued a diktat that women
will not be allowed to carry cell phones and they
cannot visit the market place.
15. Does India really need Khap Panchayats
No, because younger generations become
exposed to more modern ideas.
16. Bannes and Cases
Women cannot visit market place and cannot keep
cellphone.
Boy and girl from the same clan or village cannot
marry each other.
Love marriages are not allowed.
Ban on listening Justin Bieber songs etc.
17. Conclusion
The purpose got lost.
In reality, they only have the power to form
self governments and uplift the rural areas.
