The Supreme Court today made some interesting remarks in the case relating to honour killings and Khap Panchayats..The case was heard by a Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud..When the matter came up for hearing, the lawyer appearing for Khap Panchayats told the Court that they never oppose inter-caste or inter-religious marriages. They only oppose marriages between Sapindas (cousin marriages). As per Section 5(v) of the Hindu Marriage Act, marriages between Sapindas are prohibited..“Khap Panchayats encourage inter-caste and inter-religious marriages. Marriages between Sapindas are opposed because they are considered siblings”..The Court, however, objected to the same..“Law will take its own course. Who are you to interfere?”, asked CJI Dipak Misra..“We are conscience keepers”, replied the lawyer appearing for Khap Panchayats..“Dont be conscience keepers. If two adults want to get married nobody should interfere”, shot back CJI Misra..Subsequently, a few more aspects were discussed before the the Court adjourned the matter for February 16..The petition filed by NGO Shakti Vahini had come up for hearing last month. On that date, CJI Misra had observed in Court,.“Any adult woman or man can marry anyone of their choice. No Khap or society can question it.”
The Supreme Court today made some interesting remarks in the case relating to honour killings and Khap Panchayats..The case was heard by a Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud..When the matter came up for hearing, the lawyer appearing for Khap Panchayats told the Court that they never oppose inter-caste or inter-religious marriages. They only oppose marriages between Sapindas (cousin marriages). As per Section 5(v) of the Hindu Marriage Act, marriages between Sapindas are prohibited..“Khap Panchayats encourage inter-caste and inter-religious marriages. Marriages between Sapindas are opposed because they are considered siblings”..The Court, however, objected to the same..“Law will take its own course. Who are you to interfere?”, asked CJI Dipak Misra..“We are conscience keepers”, replied the lawyer appearing for Khap Panchayats..“Dont be conscience keepers. If two adults want to get married nobody should interfere”, shot back CJI Misra..Subsequently, a few more aspects were discussed before the the Court adjourned the matter for February 16..The petition filed by NGO Shakti Vahini had come up for hearing last month. On that date, CJI Misra had observed in Court,.“Any adult woman or man can marry anyone of their choice. No Khap or society can question it.”
