Mumbai, July 29: Khap panchayat leaders in Haryana Jind are calling for a ban on same-sex marriages and live-in relationships, citing concerns over traditional values and societal norms. A group leader from around 300 panchayats from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh held a "Mahapanchayat" on Sunday, July 28, to voice their concern on this social issue. They warned of a massive agitation if their demands were not met. 

According to a report by India Today, the Chief of Benain Khap, Raghubir Nain, demanded the ban on live-in relationships and same-sex marriage, stating that "even animals avoid this." He further clarified that while there are no objections to love marriages, provided they are conducted with family consent, Khap panchayats oppose "marriages within the same gotra (clan)." HC on Maintenance After Live-In Relationship: Woman in Live-In Relationship for Long Period Has Right to Seek Maintenance After Break-Up, Says Madhya Pradesh High Court.

In support of these statements, Khap leader Santosh Dahia added that marriages within the same gotra (ancestral lineage) are not only disrupting the social fabric but also pose genetic issues. Therefore, marriages within the same gotra should be banned. Same-Sex Marriage Judgment: Supreme Court Refuses to Recognise Marriage Equality Rights for LGBTQIA+ Community, Asks Govt to Set Up Committee to Examine Rights of Queer Couples.

The leaders also opposed the concept of a live-in relationship and its legalisation in India. "Live-in relationships are resulting in the breaking of family systems because it has been legalised. This has badly affected society, children, and our culture," Dahiya adds. Further, she stated that women are the "worst affected" by live-in relationships, as their husbands and brothers often abandon them for new partners. She emphasised that women cannot seek justice because live-in arrangements are legal, urging them to fight against this culture. 

Nain said that Khap panchayat representatives plan to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi to urge law amendments. He warned of possible protests if their demands are not addressed and revealed that a 51-member committee is being formed for this purpose. 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 29, 2024 09:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).