Khap system

The Khap system is a traditional social structure prevalent in certain regions of Northern India, particularly in Haryana and parts of Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh. It consists of community-based groups, known as "khaps," typically formed around familial or caste lines. These groups often play a significant role in local governance and dispute resolution, with an unwritten code of customs and rules. While they can provide social support, they have also been critiqued for enforcing strict norms, particularly regarding marriage and honor, sometimes leading to honor killings or social ostracism for those who defy these norms.