The Supreme Court on Tuesday said an adult man and woman are free to marry each other and no “khap panchayat” or any individual or group can raise any question and impose a restriction on their choice.
A three-judge bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud called as “absolutely illegal” any attempt by a “khap panchayat” or other associations to prevent a man and woman opting for an inter-caste marriage.
Hearing a 2010 PIL filed by NGO Shakti Vahini, the court indicated to pass directions in this regard.
“Khap panchayats as a collective body cannot summon an adult boy and girl for marriage on their choice of marriage. Whenever there is a collective attack, it is absolutely illegal,” the bench said.
Amicus curiae senior advocate Raju Ramachandran submitted that the 242nd Law Commission’s report deals with provisions of a proposed legislation to prevent interference into matrimonial alliance in the name of honour.
He submitted the latest suggestions prepared to take steps for dealing with such cases.
Additional Solicitor General Pinky Anand said that an anti-honour killing law was pending. The Centre has sought opinions from the states on the subject.
Source : PTI
