Khap Panchayat Agitation

The Khap Panchayat agitation refers to protests against traditional community councils called Khap Panchayats, prevalent mainly in northern India. These local bodies often enforce conservative social norms, including decisions against inter-caste marriages and actions targeting individuals deemed to have dishonored community values. Critics argue that Khap Panchayats sometimes impose unjust or violent rulings, infringing on individual rights and freedoms. The agitation typically involves demands for legal recognition of human rights, protection against extrajudicial judgments, and reforms to prevent abuse of power within these traditional councils. The movement aims to balance cultural practices with modern legal protections.