Jat Khap

Jat Khap refers to traditional social and caste-based councils among the Jat community, primarily in northern India. These Khap panchayats are informal gatherings of village elders who make decisions on social issues, customs, and maintaining community norms. While historically serving as local dispute resolvers, some Khaps have gained notoriety for enforcing conservative practices, including restrictions on marriage and social behavior, sometimes leading to controversies and conflicts. Their influence varies across regions, functioning as a blend of cultural tradition and social authority within the Jat community.