Hisar: Khap leaders seek changes in Hindu Marriage Act

Tribune News Service

Deepender Deswal

Hisar, January 30

A delegation of khap panchayat leaders took up the long-pending demand for an amendment to the Hindu Marriage Act with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat during his recent three-day visit to Jind town.

Protection homes

About a decade ago, the state government had set up protection homes in every district for the young couples marrying against the wishes of their families and society. In view of the increasing demand for the protection by such couples, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has called for a need for appointment of a dedicated nodal officer in each district to oversee and expedite resolution of grievances of runaway couples.

Representatives of the Kandela Khap, Binain Khap and Daadan Khap, which have influence in Jind district, exchanged views with the RSS chief on the issue during his stay in Jind from January 12-14, said Dayanand Nambardar, a leader of a khap panchayat.

The khap panchayats have been demanding an amendment to the Act to insert a provision of making marriages within the same gotra and same village illegal.

Kandela Khap pradhan Dharampal Kandela said: “Nowadays, young boys and girls run away from their homes and enter into matrimonial ties by way of court marriage without the consent of their parents and families. The trend of marrying in the same gotra (clan) and same village is socially unacceptable.” He said they wanted a legal provision to stop such marriages.

Khap leader Karambir Singh said in Haryana, marriages were solemnised outside own clans and villages. “This norm has been prevalent for ages. However, some youngsters tie the knot without caring for the social norms. Later, such couples also approach courts and the police for protection from their parents,” he said.

Asserting that the khap delegations had expressed concern over dilution of moral values in society, Nambardar stressed the need for reform in the Hindu Marriage Act.

He, however, said the RSS chief emphasised on the need for a discussion on different issues concerning society though he did not express his opinion on their demand for amendment to the Act.

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